The South Australian Non-Government Schools Registration Board has amended its controversial policy regarding the teaching of science, removing wording which many schools regarded as overly prescriptive and anti-faith.

The new policy is to require "the teaching of Science as an empirical discipline, focusing on inquiry, hypothesis, investigation, experimentation, observation and evidential analysis".

The move is very much in line with strong representations made by CSA on behalf of its members and CSA welcomes the change.

"Christian Schools desire to teach Science with excellence, help all students gain a full understanding of science and scientific method as a discipline, and prepare students for further study in science after school if they desire," said CEO Stephen O'Doherty.

"Science is shaping the world in which our students live, and in which they will take their places as citizens and professionals, and we regard it as a very important aspect of education in a Christian school.

"Equally, we believe that as science progresses it reveals more about the intriguing world that God created. This is something we celebrate. Examining God's world is one of the ways that we know more about Him and, in the process, about ourselves.

"It is entirely appropriate that in schools grounded in a religious faith such as Christianity that we should be able to reflect on, and teach, that God is the Creator. This perspective may be disputed by people with a different view of faith. However in a society which values freedom of religion and school choice, it would be very wrong for the state to act in such a way as to prevent the legitimate discussion of religious issues in a Christian school context. This is where the previous policy went wrong, and why we argued strongly to have it changed.

"We thank Dr Wasley and the Board for responding to our concerns, and look forward to continuing to work with them and other authorities on implementing the Australian Curriculum," Mr O'Doherty said.

Letter from Dr Wasley to schools:   NGSRB_100630