The new GCSE in Natural History
It’s not very often that a new GCSE subject appears. When the GCSE Natural History was announced in England earlier this year, we had to find out more. The new qualification has some high-profile supporters from the BBC to The Eden Project and The Natural History Museum, so it looks like it’s already off to a good start. Here’s what we know so far.
Why the new subject?
It’s clear that many young people are ahead of the curve when it comes to being passionate about the future of the planet. The idea of ‘greening the curriculum’ is not only to engage with that passion, but to give younger generations the skills and knowledge that they are looking for. The GCSE Natural History comes from that idea.
What type of topics does it cover?
It sets out to give students an insight into the diversity and interconnectedness of life on Earth. It will look at a wide range of contrasting habitats and how those habitats are continuing to change, through natural processes and through human actions.
Students will take part in classroom and laboratory work, as well as getting out to do their own research and observations ‘in the field’. Students will learn about a wide range of organisms, environments and sustainability issues.
Where could the new GCSE lead?
Because this new subject seems to draw in many other interests from the sciences to history, geography and creative arts, we can see that it will appeal to a great many students. The range of skills it will help students develop is also very diverse, from scientific observation to mathematical analysis and more creative pictorial recordings and descriptions. As the official announcement said “The progression pathway for this subject at key stage 5 and beyond could be scientific, geographical, environmental, ecological or natural history itself."
It's clear that any student with an interest in the natural world will be keen to take this subject, but it is perhaps a bit too soon yet to say specifically which A Level subjects, degree courses or jobs it will directly apply to. In our view, this is not a subject which will replace any existing GCSE subjects, but it will seriously enhance them.
When does it start teaching?
At time of writing, the new GCSE is still going through the final approval process, but it is expected to be available for students from 2025. In our view, it is unlikely that every school will offer it from the beginning but we hope plenty do!