Natural history GCSE: an essential fit for the countryside
National Access Adviser Claire Wright blogs about the news that a new natural history GCSE is set to be developed and launched by next autumn
The Department of Education confirmed last week that it will develop a new GCSE qualification in natural history.
Recent surveys have shown just how disconnected people are becoming from farming and the countryside. A 2018 research paper found that people who take a lot of selfies experience less connection with the natural world. In 2022, a research project found that Britain ranked the lowest out of 14 European nations for nature connectedness among its population; British people scored 3.71 out of a possible 7 compared to the top-rated nation Italy, which scored 4.67.
A recent poll undertaken by Ordnance Survey (OS) found that 25% of adults had not been taught how to read a map, 77% could not recognise the most basic OS map symbols, such as for a viewpoint or a pub, and 38% could not find a toilet. 46% of those polled thought they would explore more of the countryside if they could read a map more confidently.
Farming knowledge among the British population isn’t faring any better. A survey in 2020 revealed that more than a fifth (23%) of children aged 6-11 do not know what a harvest is, and 1 in 10 (11%) have never visited a farm.
Therefore, the ability to study the natural world at GCSE level could hopefully improve the knowledge of young people when it comes to food, farming and nature.
In our response to a call for evidence from the Department of Education last year relating to a review of the National Curriculum, we renewed our calls for the Countryside Code to be added to the National Curriculum for all students at Key Stage Two (primary school education). Additionally, we submitted evidence asking for practical map reading skills to be taught beyond year seven - having the confidence to use the rights of way network is a key part of being able to enjoy the countryside for recreation.
CLA Midlands Director Sophie Dwerryhouse was part of the original campaign to introduce the Natural History GCSE qualification. She says: “The CLA welcomes this proposal to introduce an option to study Natural History at GCSE level.”
We have long called for improved education around the natural world, food and farming and we hope that these topics will be included in the syllabus
A final report with recommendations for proposed subject content is expected to be published this autumn. It will then be subject to a public consultation from the Department of Education with the hope of the subject being available to pupils from autumn 2026.