More coverage of today's announcement in a few other places.
The TES covered the announcement.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “As we move into a world where careers are being increasingly shaped by science, technology and environmental change, it’s crucial young people have the skills for the jobs of tomorrow.
“This new GCSE will help students build a strong understanding of the natural world, alongside the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to access careers in some of the UK’s fastest growing sectors.”
She added: “With extensive fieldwork built in, the GCSE will also get young people out and about exploring local parks, rivers and more - a critical part of childhood as more and more of our worlds are taken up by screens.”
Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, said there was a “strong demand” from young people for learning more about nature.
He believes the new qualification could help “equip a generation with the knowledge, skills and confidence to create a future in which people and planet thrive”.
Doug Gurr, the director of the Natural History Museum wrote in the 'Daily Telegraph'.
We've had a good surge of new members on the GCSE Natural History Facebook group - and are now up over 900 members.
