Leading environmentalists have called on the government to introduce Natural History GCSEs immediately, amid fears it could be delayed until 2030.
The previous Conservative government supported the creation of GCSEs to teach pupils how to observe, identify and classify plants and animals.
But campaigners claim the plans were shelved by Labor because the qualifications were seen as a “Tory initiative”.
In a letter to The Times, leading environmentalists including conservation campaigner Mary Colwell, former Green MP Caroline Lucas and film producer Alastair Fothergill urged the government to act now.
“The proposed GCSE in Natural History, agreed by the last government but not finalized before the general election, will be suspended by Labor and subject to a review of the government’s curriculum and assessment for four or five years. You may be a year behind,” the letter read.
“The UK is one of the most naturally depleted countries in the world and children are excluded from the natural world more than at any time in history. It is designed to give them the skills and knowledge they need to make the crisis right.
“Wide support among teachers, students, colleges, universities and the business sector recognizes how we can address critical skills shortages and boost the green economy.”
The proposed GCSEs, announced in 2022, were to be taught in schools by 2025. The education secretary at the time, Nadhim Zahawi, said at the time that it would give young people “the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the environment”. and “How to come together to save it.”
But now campaigners fear the introduction of the qualification will be folded into the wider curriculum review announced by Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson when Labor came to power last summer.
The letter added: “Qualifications encourage connections to the arts. Research shows that meaningful connections with nature can benefit mental and physical health and motivate school attendance.” It's a good news story that has been made. We urge the Secretary of State to give it the green light without delay.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said on Saturday: “We are committed to promoting high and rising standards in our schools and ensuring that all students benefit from a rich and balanced curriculum that sets them up for work and life.
“Through the National Education Nature Park program, led by the Natural History Museum, children and young people are inspired to connect with nature and deepen their understanding of their own role in climate change.
“The Government is currently considering the next steps for Natural History GCSEs.”
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Announcing the GCSEs, the Conservative Government said the qualifications would enable young people to explore the world by learning about biology, the environment, environment and sustainability issues.
They said they would also develop skills that would help them carve out a career working in the natural world.
The qualifications were due to go through most of the policy process by the time of the general election and go out for public consultation. This is the final step before the policy is implemented. But campaigners have been told GCSEs are on hold indefinitely.
Colwell told the Guardian last month:
“The message we are responding to is that it needs to be reassessed because it is seen as a Conservative initiative.”
