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Call for Immediate Introduction of Natural History GCSE
Prominent environmental advocates are urging the government to implement a natural history GCSE without delay, amid concerns that its launch may be pushed back until 2030. This new qualification aims to equip students with the skills to observe, identify, and classify various plants and animals, fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world.
The initial proposal for this GCSE was backed by the prior Conservative administration, but advocates now claim that Labour has sidelined these plans, perceiving the qualification as a remnant of the previous government’s initiatives.
A letter published in the Times from influential figures in the environmental sector — including conservationist Mary Colwell, former Green Party MP Caroline Lucas, and filmmaker Alastair Fothergill — highlighted the urgency of the matter. They described how the natural history GCSE, which was provisionally agreed upon by the last government but not finalized before the subsequent general election, has been delayed under the current government. The activists warned that if it becomes part of a broader curriculum and assessment review, the qualification could be postponed further by several years.
“The UK is among the countries with the most depleted natural environments, and children are increasingly disconnected from nature,” the letter emphasized. The proposed GCSE is seen as a crucial step in re-establishing this connection and providing young people with the knowledge needed to tackle the pressing environmental crises. Furthermore, it is supported by various educational stakeholders, including teachers and industry professionals, who recognize its potential to mitigate a skills gap in the green sector.
The GCSE, originally set to be introduced in schools by 2025 following its announcement in 2022, promised to deepen students’ environmental knowledge and promote collective conservation efforts. However, concerns are mounting that the initiative may be subsumed into a comprehensive review of the educational curriculum led by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson.
In their letter, advocates also pointed out that the qualification could forge artistic connections, as research indicates that significant ties to nature promote both mental and physical well-being, potentially enhancing school attendance rates. They strongly urged the Secretary of State to approve the initiative expediently.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education recently reaffirmed the commitment to maintaining high educational standards while ensuring a balanced curriculum for all students. They mentioned the National Education Nature Park program, which encourages children to engage with nature and understand their impact on climate change. Currently, the government is evaluating the next steps regarding the natural history GCSE.
The Conservative government, during the initial announcement of the course, highlighted that it would facilitate exploration of ecosystems and sustainability, aiming to cultivate skills essential for future careers in environmental fields.
The GCSE had already advanced through most policy stages prior to the last general election and was slated for public consultation — the final step before implementation. Yet, campaigners have recently been made aware that the qualification is now indefinitely on hold.
Colwell expressed her frustration in a recent statement, noting that she has communicated with Labour regarding the readiness and popularity of the GCSE. She relayed their feedback, indicating that the programme is perceived as a Conservative project and thus requires further evaluation.
Source
www.theguardian.com