Anger as Noah Ark's Zoo Farm gets school trip thumbs-up
A BRISTOL zoo accused of promoting creationism and believing the story of Noah's Ark is supported by science, has become a Government- approved school trip destination.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, in Wraxall, which supports the view that life was created by a divine force, is among a series of attractions to be awarded an education kitemark.
The zoo's website says science has attempted to "remove any notion of God from our understanding of life".
The endorsement from the Government-backed Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, has been criticised by secular groups which claim children risk being exposed to "dogma".
But the family-run zoo insists its religious beliefs are not "forced on or taught to" children as part of its educational programme.
James Gray, education officer at the British Humanist Association, said: "It is entirely inappropriate that it should support an establishment that advances creationism and seeks to discredit a wide variety of established scientific facts that challenge their religious views.
"Teachers and parents look to the council for assurance that children will experience high-quality educational visits that meet the relevant government guidelines.
"Awarding this zoo a quality badge risks exposing hundreds of children to anti-scientific dogma."
But a spokesman for the zoo, run by trained priest Anthony Bush and his wife Christina, said: "Our religious element is not forced on or taught to children in workshops at Noah's Ark and thus we believe the BHA is misguided in its criticism."
The Council for Learning Outside the Classroom said it checked venues thoroughly and children should experience a range of viewpoints that challenge their minds
The kitemark was developed by Labour last year amid concerns schools were shunning trips because of worries over health and safety rules. Outdoor activity centres, museums and stately homes are accredited if they are deemed suitable for children's education and meet safety rules.
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by Robin Skelcey, Bristol
Friday, August 13 2010, 1:54PM
“Hmm. The word from the zoo's famous sign was censored by this site's system. That says something in itself I think. The sign can be seen at [http://newhumanist.org.uk/images/0909-Races.jpg]
And complaints to the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom can be addressed to [http://www.lotcqualitybadge.org.uk/help]”
by Robin Skelcey, Bristol
Friday, August 13 2010, 1:07AM
“"The theory of evolution lies at the heart of biology and should be taught at key stage 4 and in GCE advanced level biology. Creationism and intelligent design are not scientific theories and do not form part of the science National Curriculum or the GCSE and GCE A level subject criteria." - that's the official government guidelines.
So whatever one's personal beliefs, it is very clearly not appropriate to give an educational "award" to an organisation that includes signs, presented as fact (*not* as 'debate') that state: "ALL THE PEOPLE IN THE WORLD COME FROM NOAH'S SONS SHEM, HAM, JAPHETH. Caucasian from Japhet, Semitic from Shem, and Negroid/Mongoloid/Redskin from Ham", and that man is clearly not related to apes, since, among other things "there is added fat on the breasts and buttocks for beauty".
Bush's views are contrary to every scientific, religious, and even creationist orthodoxy.
The Council's statement that it checks venues thoroughly is misleading - except for health and safety checks where required, no visits are carried out by them before giving an "award". Organisations simply fill in a questionnaire. The Council have also said in their defence, "We believe that an important aim of learning outside the classroom is allowing children and young people access to education that challenges assumptions and allows them to experience a range of viewpoints". [http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6052399] This is surprising and ludicrous on many levels. It admits children will be exposed to such views, invalidating Bush's assurances that visits are limited to the curriculum. It also calls the entire foundation of modern biology and geology "assumptions" ¿ which is not something anyone with the least understanding of how science works could believe.
And despite it being implied everywhere, and in some reports stated as fact, the Council have not
I'd encourage every concerned parent and teacher to contact the council to express any displeasure. I've also put together a Facebook group [http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=143676475661430]. Do join if you're interested.”
by JohnPaul, Ashley Down
Tuesday, August 03 2010, 1:37PM
“The hardcore Creationist beliefs pushed by Noahs Ark Farm are not supported by any mainstream Christian churches in this country. They are extremists.
When I visited in 2007 the Ark area was covered in posters denying evolution and suggesting that the Earth is only a few thousand years old. The animal display had a blatantly Creationist commentary.
Noahs Ark Zoo Farm should not be encouraged. They do not deserve the support of BEP.”
by Non believer, Bristol
Monday, August 02 2010, 7:02PM
“All religions seem to be based on intolerance, hatred and distrust of others (probably Quakers excepted) but I'm not convinced that the founders of these religions would actually approve of what is being done in their name or the cherry picking from what has been written to support the modern views of what Christianity, Islam etc is supposed to be. I don't know much about Islam but I'm fairly sure that it does not condone murder and terrorism in its name. I know a bit more about Christianity as this is supposed to be a "Christian" country but again I don't believe that Christ would be in favour of the modern Churches interpretation of what his teachings were or even the 10 commandments - wasn't "Love thy neighbour as thyself" one of them. Not a lot of that in evidence in this country at the moment is there?”
by Lee, Hartcliffe
Monday, August 02 2010, 2:58PM
“Why stop at the Ark? It's no different with religious schools brainwashing kids into little Catholics/Muslims etc. before they even have a chance to figure out what's going on around them.
Growing up in heavily religious schools, I was lucky enough to start thinking for myself by the age of 13 and ditched religion altogether. Never looked back and never will.”
by Geoff, Bristol
Monday, August 02 2010, 2:37PM
“There's actually a fascinating parallel here in what we actually *know* and what we *believe* when it comes to either creationism or the official version of events surrounding atrocities.
Blind faith is just that.”
by Jamie E, Stokes Croft
Monday, August 02 2010, 2:04PM
“Of course Creationism is phoney, but if the Zoo isn't forcing its opinion on anyone or taking public funds, I don't see what the problem is.
The untimate reponsibility for a childs education and early experiences rests with the parent and nobody else.
Naturally, the consequenses of poorly educating a child should also rest with the parent, but we've almost a decade of statist nanning to unpick...
JJ, Angie, For my money there's two types of people that continue to believe in a given conspiracy theory, long after sufficiant evidence has been presented to the contrary: The tragically naive or the politically extreme wallowing in deep denial.
You say 'keep an open mind' Angie. I'll put £100 down that says you're commited to defending your position come-what-may.”
by Steve, Bristol
Monday, August 02 2010, 1:46PM
“I remember visiting that place with my daughter , I do not recall her ever asking me any religious questions as a result of going there , but she was quite impressed with the lamas.”
by Umma, Bristol
Monday, August 02 2010, 1:39PM
“Rage boy . . come back home for cup of English Earl Grey cuppa and scone, stop playin on RPG games. Bring Akbar as well, come on”
by Josh Wright, BS6
Monday, August 02 2010, 1:28PM
“Hi Linda,
I have an open mind.
Whilst you say that there evidence for a creator, that in itself does not constitute evidence.
I would genuinely be grateful if you could present the evidence so that I can consider it and help make up my own mind?”