A blog providing ideas and resources for those teachers hoping to teach the new GCSE Specification, first announced in April 2022. Draft subject content released for consultation in June 2026 - for first teaching from 2028 or 2029.
It is also available to purchase in paperback and hardback, or loan from your local library.
If you haven't already got a copy then it may be worth going for the illustrated version which has some wonderful images of fungi.
A film of the book has also been made, with narration by Björk.
I've blogged about fungi resources previously, but here's an updated notification on the work of the Fungi Foundation.
The Fungi Foundation has made its free Mycological Curriculum resources available.
Are you a teacher or educator looking for ways to incorporate fungi into your classes? Remember, you can access all of our free educational resources through https://t.co/5M21YldI7E, including our free Mycological Curriculum available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese 🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/FihwIGCWKI
— Fungi Foundation (@fungifoundation) September 18, 2024
They also have a film and course that you can watch when you enrol for free. Excellent support for those wanting to learn more about fungi, which one would expect to be included in any final draft specification - when it emerges....
Also available in several other languages...
I imagine that many people will be turning to a legacy website produced by the UK Mycological Society when it comes to learning about fungi.
It was produced by David Moore and despite the 'old-fashioned' look, still has a wealth of information by following the links.
They have a GCSE age student resource page, which has a series of useful materials.
I discovered some really useful activities.
What's your Favourite Fungus? for example.
There's a Supermarket Challenge activity which I will probably update as well.
I have a likin' for lichen...
Fungi play vitally important roles in the natural environment and in our lives. This year, the theme for UK Fungus Day is the many faces of fungi, encapsulating the myriad of ways that fungi contribute to our world. Fungi are with us throughout history in folklore and mythology, playing important roles in ecosystems, and in modern use to benefit society.
Today is @ukfungusday - a celebration of the wonderful world of #fungi (@BritMycolSoc)! Lichens are special types of fungi, that partner up with algae and/or cyanobacteria! With over 2000 species in Britain & Ireland - today, is a celebration for lichens too #ukfungusday pic.twitter.com/YBJeojT6DM
— The British Lichen Society (@BLSlichens) October 7, 2023
We are putting togther a list of relevant organisations for teachers and there are several important organisations mentioned here. It's a reminder that there are many groups of experts in all aspects of natural history which teachers would need to connect with to upskill themselves should they be teaching about these elements of ecosystems.
Check out the British Lichen Society website.
They have some useful CPD material.
The British Mycological Society is a supporter of the GCSE in Natural History.
They are keen to develop the place of fungi within the final specification, which they feel is too brief. See this piece by Dr. Linda Davies.
It outlines some of the many benefits of fungi. It's a good piece which we shall make use of to help outline the importance of fungi in many ways.
A cross posting from my Geo Library blog project - what do you mean you haven't visited? There's over 700 books that would be of in...
