DfE GCSE Natural History content consultation

The Department for Education (DfE) on GCSE Natural History subject content is now live

What is the purpose of the consultation?

The consultation is asking for the public's opinion on the subject content for the new GCSE in Natural History. The subject content is what exam boards use to write their specification content. The specification content is then what teachers deliver to students and is what they are assessed on.

Why is this consultation happening?

In 2020, Cambridge OCR held a consultation on the potential for a GCSE in Natural History. After an overwhelming response, we submitted a proposal to develop the first GCSE in Natural History. This subject consultation from the DfE is the result of that proposal.

Who can get involved?

Anyone! Teachers, Heads of Department, subject experts, parents, students, individuals or organisations.

What is subject content?

The subject content is what awarding organisations use to build specifications. The specification content is what will be taught in schools and students will be examined on.

Why should I respond to this consultation?

This is a really exciting opportunity to shape and feed back on brand new subject content which will be used to develop the new Natural History GCSE. Because it's new, it's really important for everyone to have their say on the content.

Do I have to be part of an organisation to respond?

It doesn’t matter, individual and organisational responses can all be submitted. You can submit both as an individual and as a member of an organisation.

How long will it last?

The consultation will last for 12 weeks.

If I responded to the Cambridge OCR consultation in 2020, why should I respond to this consultation?

The consultations have different purposes. The 2020 Cambridge OCR consultation helped provide us with the evidence that there was a need for a new GCSE in Natural History. We shared our consultation findings as part of our GCSE proposal to the DfE, which we worked on alongside Mary Colwell ,conservationist, writer, producer and public speaker.

This led to the GCSE being approved in April 2022. The consultation now is a step further in the process asking for feedback on the GCSE Natural History Subject Content that will be published by the Department for Education.

What does it mean once I’ve submitted my response to the consultation?

Your views will be taken into account by the DfE.

What does the consultation ask about?

The DfE want to know your views on the proposed content and whether it’s appropriate for GCSE study by 14-16 year olds. They also want to know whether the content will achieve its aims, including if it will give students the opportunity to understand the importance of our natural world, and allow them to progress to higher educational courses and careers in scientific, geographical, ecological or natural history areas.

"The natural world is for everyone. Nature is not a luxury, but something that must be accessible to all.

"This GCSE is a chance to empower young people to understand and appreciate nature, with deep knowledge and skills, whether they live in the countryside, a town or a city.

"We hope to see a Natural History GCSE that gives young people of all backgrounds access to the benefits of nature, not to mention highly transferable skills for a green economy and future jobs."

— Myles McGinley, managing director of Cambridge OCR

"A GCSE in Natural History could be a game-changer for the nature of Britain. Everyone will have the opportunity to be nature-literate, to learn about British wildlife and how it relates to the rest of the world, which is essential for a sustainable, green future."

— Mary Colwell, conservationist, writer, producer and public speaker