With Year 9 pupils countrywide currently busy choosing their GSCE subjects for this September, sadly Natural History isn’t yet an option for them.
Announced in April 2022, a brand new GSCE in Natural History had been formally agreed by the Department of Education. But, despite a curriculum being drawn up, the project then stalled, with delays including the General Election and change in government
Thankfully, the Department of Education has now reconfirmed plans for the new GCSE to move ahead, announcing a forthcoming public consultation. Whilst we await confirmation of timings, and continue to support the UK exam board developing the project, our Head of Community Engagement, Laura Eastwood, considers the impact of the proposed new GCSE.
Given the green light back in April 2022, after much work by both wildlife groups (including Born Free), advisors and MPs alike, the Natural History GCSE will allow students to develop a rich understanding of the natural world, through topics including local wildlife and ecosystems.
Despite delays in making this GCSE available to students, late last year the government reconfirmed plans to continue work on this new qualification, which will be available through Cambridge OCR, the leading exam board, once complete.
Why is this GCSE is important?
My journey to a wildlife-related career did not get off to a very directional start. But, I was lucky. I had a fantastic biology teacher and a great university experience, followed by a physically challenging, yet deeply meaningful, volunteer placement with the National Trust.
So, what would a Natural History GCSE have given me if available when I was at school? I suspect it would have been life changing. Without doubt, it would have sent me down an ecology and conservation path far sooner, and with much greater direction and more knowledge of environmental issues.
However, this GCSE will not only benefit people like me who end up working for wildlife. Environmental education has been proven key to expanding all students’ understanding, both of humanity’s place within the natural environment, and the importance of wildlife to maintain these wild habitats (i). All young people should have access to this vital opportunity, no matter which career they go on to choose.
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