Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Natural History GCSE

01 December 2021 · 4 other contributors · 9,927 words

Opened by Caroline Ansell Con Eastbourne

Responding minister: Robin Walker

EducationClimateEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Ansell raised concerns about natural history gcse in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Young people in the UK are increasingly concerned about environmental issues but face limited access to nature.
  • A study found that 70% of UK teachers lack adequate training to educate students about climate change.
  • Ms Tulip Siddiq suggests introducing a Natural History GCSE to bridge the gap between environmental concerns and practical experience with nature.

Key requests to Government

The Government should consider introducing a Natural History GCSE to help bridge the gap between young people's environmental concerns and their lack of practical experience with nature. The qualification would provide an opportunity for extended study into the natural world, complement existing curricula without reducing learning in other subjects, and support various academic and vocational pursuits. Ms Siddiq asks the Minister how the Government will ensure natural history and climate change are embedded across the education system, what they are doing to ensure adequate teacher training, and how they will support outdoor learning post-covid. She also inquires about steps being taken to prepare young people for the green economy.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Caroline Ansell Con Eastbourne

Young people today are increasingly concerned about environmental issues but have less access to nature than previous generations. A study by Bath University found that almost three-quarters of young people in the UK are worried about the future of our planet, with many species in decline and widespread habitat loss. Eight in ten children reported feeling very happy when in nature, yet there is a disparity in access to natural environments, especially for those living in deprived areas. Ms Tulip Siddiq is concerned that only 17% of teachers report teaching climate change in core subjects other than science or geography. She highlights that despite the excellent efforts of schools to teach sustainability, many children are still denied an environmental education. She cites research from Teach the Future which found that 70% of UK teachers have not received adequate training on educating students about climate change and that just 5% say climate change is integral to their curriculum.

Other contributors (4)
  • Caroline Lucas GP Brighton Pavilion

    Expressed excitement over the growing support for a natural history GCSE since 2011, arguing it would enhance students' understanding of the complexities of the natural world through field study. Discussed feedback from university lecturers highlighting deficiencies in student's practical experience with nature.

  • Flick Drummond Lab Torbay

    Questioned whether the natural history GCSE would compete with existing science and geography options, noting concerns about limited GCSE capacity. Ms Drummond expressed concern about the existing GCSE system, noting that 49.9% of young people fail English and maths exams at age 16. She supported the idea of a natural history curriculum but argued against introducing a new GCSE in natural history as it could dilute rigorous science and geography courses. Ms Drummond cited examples from current key stage curricula, suggesting that natural history is already well integrated into existing subjects.

  • James Davies SDLP Strangford

    Agreed with the emphasis on connecting young people to nature through practical experiences such as forest schools. Highlighted that this qualification would complement existing biology and geography courses by reinforcing learning and providing a unique perspective.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Complimented the debate's importance and discussed the work of Castle Gardens Primary School in his constituency, suggesting alignment between environmental jobs and education initiatives. Quoted Mary Colwell on reconnecting young people with nature.

Government Response

Robin Walker

Responded to concerns regarding a new Natural History GCSE by outlining the Government's existing sustainability and climate change strategy, emphasizing current curriculum coverage of natural history topics in science and geography. The minister highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the national education nature park and climate leaders award, aiming to launch these programs in autumn 2022. Acknowledged the importance of fieldwork, teacher expertise, and external resources for enhancing environmental education.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy