A recent survey by Teachers TV suggested a third of teachers believe creationism should be given the same status as evolution in the classroom. The poll of 1,200 teachers found that almost a third (30%) already consider creationism or intelligent design, to some extent, during science lessons.

Furthermore almost 90% believe they should be allowed to discuss the subject in science if raised by a pupil, as suggested by leading biologist and education expert the Rev Professor Michael Reiss in September. The comment led to his resignation from the post of director of education with the Royal Society with the society claiming what he said had damaged its reputation. 

Far from promoting Creationism Prof Reiss's argument was that banning the subject from the classroom was likely to backfire with children who hold sincere beliefs.

see also: http://www.niact.org.uk/content/view/27/41/ 

The Assembly yesterday passed an Ulster Unionist motion to retain the 11+. Basil McCrea who, along with party colleague Ken Robinson, forwarded the motion, said that neither he nor his party wished to see the 11+ remaining any longer than it had to. Their concern was for teachers, parents and the children working towards transfer next year.

"Teachers and parents of Year 6 children want - and need - certainty about the post-primary transfer procedure their children will face," he said.

"It is the duty and responsibility of the Education Minister to deliver that certainty.

"Instead of certainty, however, the minister has delivered anxiety, unease and the threat of chaos. Three months into the present Year 6, parents and teachers still - still - do not know what transfer procedure children will face next year."

In the absence of anything else, retaining the 11+ is the Assembly's preferred solution.

Last week the four main churches proposed increasing the age of transfer to 14. Caitriana Ruane welcomed their input saying: "There is still time to reach a consensus, but we also need to bring an early conclusion to this debate and bring clarity to teachers, parents and pupils."

In an article in the Irish News last week education correspondent Simon Doyle pointed out that after months of saying "let me be clear"  Ruane's call for clarity is baffling. In July after criticism from Catholic bishops she said: “I have brought forward very clear proposals. People have claimed they didn’t have clarity. They now have clarity.” It is difficult to know who other than the minister herself can bring the clarity she is now asking for.