#327: Teaching Times article from Mary Colwell gives an update

A new article in 'Teaching Times' by Mary Colwell gives a bit of an update into the state of the GCSE Natural History, and its possible introduction in 2026.

She mentions the assessment as being based on coursework and fieldwork - I think that is very unlikely.

The Subject Criteria have now been written and were signed off by Damien Hinds, who is the current Minister of State for Schools. However, it became mired in the political process before the general election was called, and it has not yet gone to public consultation. We wait to see if the next government will revive it and make it a reality for first teaching in 2026 (at the earliest). 

There is a long way to go still; the public consultation will need to be taken on board, Ofqual will need to produce its requirements and the exam boards will need to write their exam content, which must be approved again by Ofqual. Textbooks will need to be written and teacher training and resource provisions put in place. 

There is a lot to do even for a 2026 introduction.

Natural history requires specialist knowledge and support must be found for schools that want to train teachers or take on new staff. Resources must also be available to help schools with trips and equipment.