The new Natural History GSCE was announced in parliament by the Education Minister, Catherine McKinnell, who explained that it will help young people to understand and respect the natural world, and contribute to the protection and conservation of the environment on a local, national and international level.
Embedding climate and nature in the curriculum, not only provides young people the opportunity to reconnect and deepen their knowledge of the natural world but will also provide a boost for the green economy and help to address the skills shortage.
Naturalist, campaigner, author and Director of Curlew Action, Mary Colwell began campaigning for the GCSE in 2011. She said “Education is the most important thing we can do for the planet at the moment. To start to create a society that knows and understands the natural world is the biggest step forward we can take.”
A consultation regarding the exact content of the GCSE subject is to be conducted later this year, but the new qualification will focus on nature, climate and conservation.
