The Department for Education has unveiled its new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which includes the launch of a new natural History GCSE.
Secondary school students will be able to study the natural world through an exciting new GCSE in natural history to be introduced by September 2025.
It forms part of new plans announced by Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi detailing how the UK education sector is to become a world leader in climate change by 2030.
The new Natural History qualification will enable young people to explore the world by learning about organisms and environments, environmental and sustainability issues, and gain a deeper knowledge of the natural world around them.
Truro and Falmouth's Member of Parliament, Cherilyn Mackrory said:
“Truro and Falmouth are blessed with an abundance of nature, including along our beautiful coastline. From speaking to local students, I know they are passionate about protecting and conserving our precious environment.
Inspiring and educating young people about our environment is the best way to protect it. I am delighted this new strategy will ensure we offer young people a chance to develop a deeper knowledge of our amazing planet and how we can conserve it together.”
Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said:
“We are delivering a better, safer, greener world for future generations and education is one of our key weapons in the fight against climate change. The entrepreneurial, can-do spirit of this country makes me confident that we will win this fight.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that young people are already very committed to a more sustainable planet. We should be proud of this, and I want to do everything I can to encourage this passion so they can be agents of change in protecting our planet.”