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Natural History GCSE
01 December 2021
Lead MP
Caroline Ansell
Eastbourne
Con
Responding Minister
Robin Walker
Tags
ClimateForeign AffairsChildren & Families
Word Count: 9927
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Caroline Ansell raised concerns about natural history gcse in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.