A new GCSE on climate change will be presented, teaching students “how to protect the planet”.
The course will aim to give young people a “deeper knowledge of the natural world around them” and will be available to students from 2025.
Education Minister Nadhim Zahaui, who will officially announce the qualification on Thursday, said: “The new GCSE in Natural History will offer young people a chance to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of this amazing planet, its environment and how to protect it.
This is one of the first new qualifications announced after the reform of the examination system in 2017.
Image: Nadhim Zahaui has promised to introduce a new science curriculum by 2023
Prepared general scheme of the course
The education ministry says the natural history course will enable students to “explore the world by learning about organisms and the environment, environmental issues and sustainability.”
The general scheme of the course has been prepared, but now the staff will work with the examination commissions and Ofqual, the regulator of examinations, to develop a complete curriculum.
Understandably, climate change will be a key focus of the course.
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A 2021 global study in 10 countries showed the depth of concern that many young people are feeling about climate change.
Nearly 60% of young people approached by the University of Bath said they felt very worried or extremely worried about the environment.
The study spoke to 10,000 people between the ages of 16 and 25.
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3:06 UN warns of “climate disaster”
What are students currently taught?
Students are already learning about urbanization and landscapes in geography and habitats in science.
During COP26, the Secretary of Education said that teachers will be supported in providing climate change education through a new science curriculum introduced by 2023.
Climate change is currently in the curriculum and is taught in science, citizenship and geography from key stage 3 (early secondary school) onwards.
In primary school (Key Stages 1 and 2) students are taught the basic concepts – including what the climate is like, how it changes and the difference between man-made and natural environments.
The Secretary of Education will also launch a broader strategy for sustainability and climate change, which “will help young people to develop excellent knowledge of STEM and practical opportunities to improve biodiversity and climate resilience”.
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