Cambridge OCR has called for a Natural History GCSE “that gives young people of all backgrounds access to the benefits of nature”, as the Department for Education launches a consultation on the content of the new qualification. 

After the government confirmed last year that the qualification would go ahead, the Department for Education has been putting together its proposed content ahead of a 12 week public consultation. Cambridge OCR has played a leading role in the campaign for a Natural History GCSE to widen access to the natural world, after it was instigated by environmental campaigner Mary Colwell in 2011. 

Myles McGinley, managing director of Cambridge OCR said: "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."

Read more about the Natural History GCSE consultation on our dedicated page.