#428: Launch the GCSE Natural History now!

So say campaigners according to this Guardian piece from the weekend.

It could apparently be delayed until 2030....

The previous Conservative administration had supported creating the GCSE, which would teach pupils how to observe, identify and classify plants and animals.
However, campaigners have claimed the plans had been shelved by Labour because the qualification was seen as a “Tory initiative”.

In response to a letter sent by Mary Colwell, Caroline Lucas and others...

A Department for Education spokesperson said on Saturday: “We are committed to driving high and rising standards in schools and ensuring all pupils benefit from a rich and balanced curriculum that sets them up for work and life.

“Through our National Education Nature Park programme, led by the Natural History Museum, children and young people are inspired to connect with nature and develop their understanding of their own role in climate change.

“The government is currently in the process of considering the next steps for a natural history GCSE.”

Let's see what happens next...

#406: Important update and story in 'The Guardian'

“We need nature education at the heart of school life so everyone has access to it, not just middle-class people who go to the countryside at the weekend and have big gardens. 

It’s the kids in very urban areas who I had in mind because the whole idea of the GCSE is to make natural history on your doorstep something you are fascinated by. 

We have such a crisis in the mental health of our young people and nature is known to be a very healing thing.”

Mary Colwell

The Guardian has a piece from its Environment reporter on the continued delay.

It's a great pity if this is seen as 'political' and something that the new Government can't get behind and move to the next phase with. It has the potential to offer something distinctively different from other curriculum offerings.

As Mary says at the end of the piece:

"Nature can’t afford to be a political football. We need future generations to understand or care for the natural world.”

#343: Curriculum review incoming

The new Labour government is turning its attention to the curriculum.

There are already new specifications which are going ahead. This includes the uncertain fate of the GCSE in Natural History - we are waiting for news of that.

Bridget Phillipson, the new Secretary of State for Education has announced a review of Curriculum and Assessment led by experts.

✏️ Today I've announced an expert-led Curriculum and Assessment Review

🤔 What does that actually mean?

📺 Watch below 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/lRgzSw2BvK

— Bridget Phillipson (@bphillipsonMP) July 19, 2024

 

Our Curriculum & Assessment Review will give every child:

🧮 Strong foundations in core subjects
🎨 Access to music, sport, art & drama
🗣️ More digital, speaking & life skills

We'll deliver a broad, rich curriculum so children leave education ready for life, work & the future. https://t.co/54QrEWkwJZ

— Bridget Phillipson (@bphillipsonMP) July 19, 2024

The person leading that review is certainly an expert, having worked with the Education Endowment Foundation - we used their toolkit when developing our work on the D3 ERASMUS project.

Professor Becky Francis was also the previous Director of the UCL Institute of Education - another organisation I have been involved with in the past - firstly as somone who helped develop the GeoCapabilities project and as a UCL Fawcett Fellow for 2022-23.

Thanks you for all the generous and kind comments about my appointment by @bphillipsonMP to lead the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. I am really overwhelmed by your support.

— Prof Becky Francis (@BeckyFrancis7) July 19, 2024

They will also take a look at OFSTED too.

The Labour government knows we need accountability to drive high & rising standards in education.

But today’s Ofsted system is high stakes for staff, low information for families — it needs proper reform.

Pleased to speak to HMCI about delivering the change our children need. pic.twitter.com/hsRmzjYq3V

— Bridget Phillipson (@bphillipsonMP) July 20, 2024

I look forward to seeing what emerges, and hopefully having a say in anything which touches on the geography curriculum and the place of geography generally.

One good outcome will hopefully be a focus on SEND and those pupils who need more support and removing overly strict behaviour policies.

The TES article here outlines what we know so far.