#440: CUPA blog

A post on the Cambridge University Press and Assessment blog by Jack Cutforth explores the promise of the new GCSE Natural History.

The GCSE in Natural History is intended to give all students – wherever they live – the time, skills, and knowledge to appreciate nature, as well as develop important practical skills in data analysis and observation. It is designed so it can be delivered as effectively in city centres as it can in the countryside. Students will develop a rigorous understanding of the natural world: from their own local wildlife, environment and ecosystem to critical global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity and sustainability.

Jill Duffy, Chief Executive of OCR, said: 

“Natural History is for everyone. OCR’s Natural History GCSE will give young people the skills to understand and protect the nature on their doorstep and beyond, whether they live in urban, suburban, or rural environments. We will continue to offer ideas and help shape this vital new qualification. Through the partnerships we’ve formed with teachers and students, we are well prepared to deliver this exciting new GCSE.”

#439: Don't forget the Facebook group

From yesterday's Guardian newspaper which I picked up...

Now that we have finally have some news on the GCSE Natural History, you may want to join the Facebook group that we set up nearly three years ago. It has just reached 800 members with a flurry of new members in the last few days.

There are a few Chats on there which are aimed at collecting some ideas for the sort of support that teachers might need.

#438: World Water Day

Coming just a few days after International Glacier Day is World Water Day.

The two are connected for many... well over 1 billion people rely on diminishing glaciers for their water (and/or energy)...

#437: Well, now we are finally getting somewhere... maybe...

Well, it took a while, but there was some news from Parliament today....

Here was the question in Parliament.

It was asked by Ellie Chowns of the Green Party.

And here was the answer from Cathrine McKinnell.

Let's see what happens next...

According to The Guardian:

The government will consult on the GCSE’s subject content later this year. According to Colwell, the criteria drafted under the previous government would need to be revised to ensure the GCSE provided young people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland with fieldwork opportunities to learn about the wildlife in their local neighbourhoods.

#436: IFAD graphic

A powerful and simple representation of the impact of diversity loss on people...

IFAD is the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

#435: Apps for plant identification

There are two key apps for those who want to identify plants. I've already mentioned iNaturalist, but I've also had a play with the PlantNet app.

This is free to download for iPhone and Android.

I tried it in the gardens of the building where my classroom is located. The app was good at letting me know what plant I was looking at.

#434: Schloriz cartoon

 

#433: National Character Areas (NCAs)

Natural England has updated the National Landscape Character assessments on their website.

 Wherever you are in England you are in one of these areas, which has a particular character.

Each NCA represents an area of distinct and recognisable character at the national scale. 

Their boundaries follow natural lines in the landscape, not county or district boundaries. 

This makes them a good framework for decision-making and planning for future change. 

The information contained within the NCA profiles aims to help guide land management and other activities to strengthen character and resilience, responding to pressures such as climate change.

I was born in Area 38: Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire Coalfield

I studied in Area 37: Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe

I trained as a teacher in Area 41: Humber Estuary

My first job was in Area 69: Trent Valley Washlands

The first home I owned was in Area 76: North West Norfolk and my school was on the very edge of Area 46: The Fens

I spent three years working in Area 37 - Yorkshire Southern Pennine Fringe, when I worked for the Geographical Association.

I now live in Area 84: Mid Norfolk, and my current school is in Area 46: The Fens

What numbers have you lived in?