About SRSP

The purpose of the project is to make a major impact on the teaching of issues concerning science and religion in UK schools. The target age range in the first instance was students from 11 to 18 years of age and a Primary School project aimed at 7 to 11 year olds was then added. The object of the project is to ensure that students in these age ranges are well informed, have a balanced view of the science and religion debate, and study both subjects with open-minded humility.

This is a major project that aims to produce excellent and effective teaching materials for both students and teachers. The teaching materials were written by selected teachers of Religious Education and of Science in schools. The teachers involved were guided by some of the world's leading experts in the field of Science and Religion. In order to write the materials teachers were seconded from schools for short periods or given day-release. The material that they produce, in the form of students' books, lesson plans and background reading for teachers, has been thoroughly tested by means of trials in schools before being rewritten for publication.

The project was managed by two co-directors, Professor John Hedley Brooke and Mr. Martin Rogers. John Brooke is now President of the International Society for Science and Religion and formally Andreas Idreos Professor of Science and Religion at Oxford University and Director of the Ian Ramsey Centre. Martin Rogers was formerly Director of the Farmington Institute for Christian Studies in Oxford. Before that he was Chief Master of King Edward's School, Birmingham and Headmaster of Malvern College, Worcestershire.

The project, which is based in Oxford, was launched in April 2002 and will last for four years. During the first stage a team of writers and an Advisory Board were established, a list of topics chosen and material for the 11-16 age group in schools written. This material was then tested in schools before being rewritten. Material for 16-19 year olds was also. The materials are now available to be purchased see the secondary and primary sections of the website.

Although the UK project is now complete we are establishing links with other countries where the debate between the claims of science and those of religion is seen to be a relevant issue in schools. See the worldwide section for more details.

The project is supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation.