Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Climate Change Education

Monday 21 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Munira Wilson asked the Secretary of State for steps to ensure climate change education for pupils not taking GCSE geography.
  • The Secretary of State responded that climate change education is integrated into mandatory geography and science curriculums in state-maintained schools.
  • Munira Wilson welcomed the new Member for Chesham and Amersham to the Chamber and emphasized the importance of teaching the scientific aspects of climate change to children and young people.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Climate
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP is concerned about pupils opting out of GCSE geography, which could limit their understanding of climate change. The issue has been raised due to a decline in the number of students taking geography at this level.

Question

If he will take steps to ensure that pupils who opt out of GCSE geography receive education on climate change.

Answer from Gavin Williamson

It is vital that pupils are taught about climate change, which is why related topics are included throughout the geography and science curriculums from five to 14 and five to 16, respectively. That is mandatory in state-maintained schools. Academies must offer a broad and balanced curriculum, as exemplified by the national curriculum.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not address how pupils opting out of GCSE geography would receive education on climate change.

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Education Climate
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP is concerned that fewer than half of GCSE pupils take geography, which includes climate change education. This concern arises as students need to be prepared for the impact of climate change on jobs and future careers.

Question

I hope the Secretary of State will join me in welcoming my hon. Friend the new Member for Chesham and Amersham (Sarah Green) to the Chamber today. I am sure he will agree that it is critical that children and young people learn about the scientific causes and consequences of climate change, and that they are equipped for the future in terms of practical action and the impact on jobs and future careers. With fewer than 50% of GSCE pupils taking geography, what consideration has he given to creating a standalone subject that properly prepares and empowers our young people to engage with climate change?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Of course I join the hon. Lady—and, I am sure, all Members—in welcoming a new Member to the House. It is a shame that the few Liberal Democrat MPs who are left could not be bothered to stay for Education questions. Perhaps that shows the priority that the Liberals put on education, compared with Conservative Members and Labour Members as well. It is nice that there is a lone voice on behalf of Liberal England. It is incredibly important that climate change is taught, and it is vital that it is a key part of the geography curriculum. It is also an incredibly important part of the science curriculum. We know that science is critical to understanding climate change, and all Members of the House are deeply indebted to the former Member for Finchley, and her amazing work in highlighting global climate change in the 1980s, when she was Prime Minister. She was not just speaking to the United Kingdom; she was speaking to the globe.

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not address whether he would consider a standalone subject for climate change education.

How: Welcoming A New Member, Criticising Liberal Democrats

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