What Is The Natural History GCSE?

Do you love being in nature? Are you fascinated by wildlife, ecosystems, and our relationship with the natural world? If this sounds like you, then you might be interested in a brand new GCSE that’s in development.

The Natural History GCSE will be different from the traditional science GCSEs. It's designed for students who want to combine scientific knowledge with hands-on exploration of the natural environment, as well as take actionable steps to combat climate change.

This guide explains everything you need to know about this exciting new qualification. We'll cover what you can expect to study, when it’s likely to be introduced in schools, how it compares to other GCSEs, and whether it's the right choice for you.

Key Takeaways

• OCR is currently developing a brand new Natural History GCSE

• Students interested in plants, animals, and solutions to climate change will benefit from the Natural History GCSE

• Natural History GCSE has a more explicit focus on the natural world than GCSE Science or Geography

Overview of the Natural History GCSE

OCR (opens in a new tab), the exam board which will offer Natural History GCSE, has proposed to define the subject as one that “focuses on understanding the rich and diverse natural world”. 

It is unique because it will allow learners “to observe and engage with the natural world to develop a deeper understanding of the flora and fauna within it”.

It was announced in 2022 (opens in a new tab) as part of the Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (opens in a new tab), which reflects the subject’s main purpose of fostering a love of the natural world and a desire to protect it. 

The Natural History GCSE was initially meant to be introduced by 2025. Though plans for it have been reconfirmed (opens in a new tab), it is not being taught in schools yet.

What Do You Study in Natural History GCSE?

Natural History GCSE is expected to include (opens in a new tab) the following:

• Observational study of specific plants and animals and the environments in which they live

• Analysis of the forms, functions and behaviours of wildlife

• Exploration of how natural processes and human intervention shape the natural world

When Will Schools Offer the Natural History GCSE?

At the moment, it’s unclear exactly when schools will offer the Natural History GCSE.
According to OCR’s timeline (opens in a new tab), the next steps are as follows:

• Once the consultation findings are published, the content and assessment structure can be finalised

• The specification and sample assessment materials will be created based on DfE’s agreed content and Ofqual’s agreed approach to assessment

• Materials will be launched, ready for centres and teachers to review

• The first teaching of the GCSE will take place

You and your school can stay up-to-date by signing up for email updates (opens in a new tab) from OCR.

Who Should Take the Natural History GCSE?

Jill Duffy, the Chief Executive of OCR (opens in a new tab), believes that “Natural History is for everyone”. This is true in the sense that all students engage with the natural world regardless of where they live, and everyone stands to benefit from a greater appreciation of the environment.

More specifically, Natural History GCSE will particularly appeal to students with the following:

• An interest in animals, plants, and solutions to climate change

• An enjoyment of hands-on learning in an outdoor environment

• Career aspirations in ‘green’ industries (opens in a new tab) such as renewable energy and sustainable agriculture

How Does Natural History GCSE Compare to Other Science GCSEs?

The table below outlines some of the key similarities and differences between Natural History GCSE and GCSEs in Biology, Combined Science and Geography.

GCSE Science is automatically recognised as a core subject, and Geography is highly regarded as a rigorous, interdisciplinary subject.

Natural History GCSE, while new, already has many supporters (opens in a new tab). It is therefore likely to be well-recognised by universities and employers.

Can You Take Natural History GCSE Alongside Other Science GCSEs?

You will be able to take Natural History GCSE alongside your compulsory science GCSEs.

Because Natural History GCSE is designed to both complement and be distinct to subjects like Biology, you should think of it as adding to your science qualifications rather than replacing them. 

Taking Natural History GCSE alongside science could be a great idea – especially if you plan to take A Level Environmental Science, study environmental and earth sciences at university, or pursue an environment-related career.

University and Career Pathways

Below are just some of the many relevant degrees and careers Natural History GCSE could lead to:

Relevant Degrees

• Global Sustainability

• Natural Sciences

• Zoology

Possible Jobs

• Conservation officer

• Marine biologist

• Natural History Museum curator

You might even become a science communicator who specialises in nature – just like the legendary David Attenborough, who has also voiced his support (opens in a new tab) for the Natural History GCSE!

Advantages of Taking Natural History GCSE

Develop Practical Skills

Research has shown three major benefits of fieldwork (opens in a new tab):

• A positive impact on long-term memory due to the memorable nature of fieldwork

• Individual growth and improvements in social skills

• Your thoughts and feelings influence one another, providing a bridge to higher-order learning

Since OCR thinks “there is a need for this GCSE to have a clearly defined outdoor study/practical activity”, you’ll most likely enjoy these benefits if you opt for this course.

Increase Your Environmental Awareness

When a problem feels impossible to solve, our anxiety often increases. Climate change anxiety among young people (opens in a new tab) is very high: 84% are at least moderately worried, and 59% are very or even extremely worried.

Fortunately, the Natural History GCSE is designed to teach you about climate change and, crucially, what you can do to help. 

Cambridge climate education (opens in a new tab) focuses on “shifting ideas into actionable solutions”, and making a practical difference is a great way to decrease anxiety.

Challenges and Considerations

Too Much Crossover

Although Natural History GCSE is designed to be different from subjects like Geography and Biology, there is still significant overlap. For example, concepts like ecosystems, biodiversity and climate change come up in all three subjects.

While cross-curricular content can really help with in-depth revision, you might benefit more from choosing broader GCSE options, including subjects like History or a modern foreign language.

Limited Provision

Because Natural History is one of the first new GCSEs introduced in over a decade, it’s unclear how many schools will adopt it and what the uptake will be among students.

Popular, core subjects tend to have a lot of high-quality and often free resources available. On the other hand, for more niche, optional subjects, there are usually far fewer revision materials outside the textbook. 

I had this exact problem recently, when I was tutoring an OCR A Level History student. He happened to go to the only school in the country studying the Middle East option, and I had to base all of my tutoring on this one small, very basic revision guide.

While this may not be a problem once the Natural History GCSE has been taught for a few years, keep in mind that it might be harder early on due to a lack of varied resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Natural History GCSE be recognised by universities?

Yes. In fact, universities such as Cambridge, Lancaster and Reading are even listed among a number of supporters for the GCSE.

However, if you want to pursue a science-related degree, universities will still have minimum grades for GCSE and A Level Science. Natural History GCSE will therefore be an additional qualification to Science rather than a replacement. 

If you want to study degrees with practical work, such as Zoology, the fieldwork component of Natural History GCSE could actually strengthen your application.

When will Natural History GCSE first be assessed?

Because a date hasn’t been set for the first teaching of the Natural History GCSE, it’s also unclear when it will first be assessed.

OCR’s timeline (opens in a new tab) outlines the final steps needed before teaching can begin. You can also stay updated by signing up for email updates (opens in a new tab).

Final Thoughts

Natural History GCSE is an exciting new qualification that will offer something genuinely different from traditional GCSE Science and Geography.

It's ideal if you're passionate about wildlife, enjoy hands-on learning, and want to develop practical skills used by professional ecologists and conservationists.

Consider how Natural History GCSE fits with your other GCSE choices, further study plans, and career aspirations.

Stay up-to-date on the timing for this GCSE by visiting OCR’s website and signing up to their mailing list. 

While you wait, spend some time outdoors enjoying and studying nature. It’s great for your wellbeing, and it will give you a head start!

References

• 24 Examples of a Green Industry (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge: Climate Education (opens in a new tab)

• Climate anxiety in children and young people (opens in a new tab)

• GCSE Natural History Confirmed (opens in a new tab)

• OCR: GCSE Natural History (opens in a new tab)

• Cambridge University Press & Assessment: Developing a Natural History GCSE (opens in a new tab)

• The Education Hub (opens in a new tab)

• Government considering compulsory nature studies lessons for all pupils after David Attenborough backs plan (opens in a new tab)

• Government Response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review (opens in a new tab)

• Letter to the Minister for Schools (opens in a new tab)

• Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy (opens in a new tab)

• UK Parliament: Natural History: GCSE - Question for Department for Education (opens in a new tab)

• The Value of Fieldwork (opens in a new tab)