A Natural History GCSE is a win for nature, a win for young people and fills an important skill-gap
In a 2022 survey of young people, almost two thirds of young people wanted more environmental education to be introduced to the curriculum and only 1 in 10 reported that they had been on a school trip to connect with nature.
Young people are not being given the opportunity to connect with and understand nature. Building a strong foundation of understanding and love for the natural world is the foundation for protecting and respecting it.
Nature is a powerful tool in supporting young people’s mental health. In a government survey, 91% of young respondents agreed with the statement “being in nature makes me very happy”. With the current mental health crisis facing young people, the importance of offering a connection with nature cannot be underestimated.
We need more nature education to be introduced across our education system and a Natural History GCSE is a great starting point.
Campaign history
After 11 years of campaigning, led by Mary Colwell, the Department for Education announced that a Natural History GCSE would be taught in schools across England from September 2025. That deadline has now been missed after the subject criteria stalled and did not reach public consultation stage. The new Labour Government has labelled the GCSE a Tory initiative and is reviewing it as part of the wider curriculum review.
We are supporting the campaign for a Natural History GCSE. We are asking Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education to stop the GCSE from being sucked into the curriculum review, which would delay the GCSE even further. We are asking that she implements the GCSE without delay.
We will be mobilising young people at key stages during the GCSE’s progression through the Department for Education. To keep up to date with our work, sign up to our mailing list.
Photo by Richard Bunce @WalkingPhotographer
