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The GA has responded to DfE’s public consultation on the proposed subject knowledge for the new natural history GCSE.
The GA welcomed how there had been a significant refocusing of natural history content into the current proposals and that the core focus is now on the understanding and identification of species and habitats. This gives the qualification its distinctive focus on natural history.
Earlier proposals had presented subject content that resulted in significant and unhelpful overlap with the existing geography GCSE (and geology and biology) qualifications.
The GA has identified how the proposed subject content has the potential to result in significant overspecification in relation to study of the glacial – interglacial periods. The Geographical Association has proposed rewording this section so that its focus is on the impacts of the glaciation and the interglacial periods on the UK’s habitats and species.
The GA has suggested that further clarity be provided in relation to the scope, balance and range of assessment of the fieldwork requirement proposed for natural history and that the fieldwork be carried out safely, ethically and with due consideration to the protection of habitats and species.
The consultation closes on 4 September 2026. Colleagues can make their own responses via GCSE natural history proposed subject content.
