Mary Colwell, Caroline Lucas and Tim Oates at the Natural History Museum in London on the 21st of April 2022 for the official announcement of the new GCSE in Natural History.
“A GCSE in Natural History is a unique opportunity for young people to engage with wildlife in a structured, guided way, to learn the skills of a naturalist at a time when we need them more than ever. I am so delighted it is, at last, a reality.” - Mary Colwell
Mary Colwell on the Today Programme:
Click on an image to read the article.
Over the last 40 years the UK has lost 50% of the mass of its wildlife. Half as many birds, insects, mammals, wildflowers and amphibians live alongside us. Bird song has thinned, the buzz around the flowers is quieter and there is less colour in the fields. But we can’t protect or value what we cannot see or don’t understand.
We need naturalists more than ever in human history. Over the last 50 years, the skills of the naturalist have increasingly been lost, but they are vital to re-learn, not just because society is missing out on fascination and wonder, and not just because nature is good for our minds and souls, but because the emerging green economy depends on it. The startling fact is that over the last half century the world has lost 60% of the mass of mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles and ecosystems are badly degraded. Studies at the University of Derby show that young people lose their interest in nature at around the age of 11 and may not recover it until they are in their 30s, many never do.
Yet, British children are more removed from nature than at any other point in our history. We need smart, capable, knowledgeable, practical people to know and understand wildlife and what it needs. In other words, we need to be nurturing the naturalists of the future – decision makers who will work for the good of all life on earth. By placing Natural History at the heart of education we will make sure all children can learn about nature throughout their education, wherever they live.
Mary Colwell spearheaded the campaign alongside former Green Party MP, Caroline Lucas, and educationalist, Tim Oates. This is where we are now:
- Officially confirmed. In March 2025, the UK Department for Education formally announced their intention to establish a Natural History GCSE, highlighting its role in helping students understand and care for the natural world. The Guardian University of Worcester
- Subject content consultation upcoming. The proposed content is being reviewed and set to undergo a public consultation after the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review concludes in autumn 2025. National Biodiversity Network, teach.ocr.org.uk University of Worcester The Guardian
- Expected timing. Originally targeting a 2025 launch, the switch in government has led to some delays. Current indications point toward introduction in September 2027 or later, depending on the curriculum review outcomes. The Times+1 The Guardian+1
History
Mary came up with the idea in 2011, but it wasn’t until 2017, when Caroline Lucas got involved, that the campaign took off. Back in June 2021, OCR launched a public consultation to see what people thought of the idea, Click here to replay the online seminar that launched the consultation on introducing a GCSE in natural History. Mary Colwell, give a presentation and was part of the panel discussion.
Take the quiz!
Can you spot a Grampy pig?
Our Director Mary Colwell has been interviewed for The Observer / Guardian about plans for introducing a GCSE in Natural History. Click below to take a quiz to find out how you might fare in a GCSE!