WAQ78290 (e) Tabled on 21/05/2019

What consideration has the Welsh Government given to the growing popularity of flat earth theories and what action, if any, is being taken by our education system to address this?

Answered by Minister for Education | Answered on 03/06/2019

In the current curriculum learners develop their critical thinking skills through the processes of planning, developing and reflecting, to ask and answer questions and gather, sort and evaluate information. Consequently, learners are able to make decisions, form considered opinions, and develop a more abstract understanding about science and the issues that affect the world around them. This process ensures that consideration is given to different interpretations and opinions in order to help distinguish between ‘facts’ and beliefs.

 

Curiosity about the world around us is emphasised in the What Matters Statements (WMS) of the draft new curriculum. The Science and Technology AoLE WMS-1)  states that – being curious and searching for answers helps further our understanding of the natural world and helps society progress. This will provide a solid foundation from which theories and existing ideas may be considered or challenged.