Petition Introduce the Natural History GCSE in Wales
The Natural History GCSE is being introduced in England but not in Wales. In England it will give the opportunity of 20 hours of fieldwork to study and connect with nature. It will develop practical skills and an ecological understanding they will need in a changing world. It will help the wellbeing of young people who flourish through practical, outdoor activities, Furthermore, eco-systems has been removed from the new 'Made in Wales' Geography GCSE qualification leaving a gap.
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The Senedd Children, Young People and Education committee wrote to Qualifications Wales on 20th October 2025 after hearing concerns that the specification of WJEC's new GCSE qualification no longer includes plate tectonics and ecosystems. Although there is coverage of this content in the current science specification, it is through a science lens rather than a geographic lens. This means no or little consideration of the human impacts on, and management of ecosystems. I was once told if a child does not connect to nature before they are 12, they will not as an adult, and a child psychologist recently told me how important it is for a teenager to connect to nature for well being. We are in a nature and climate emergency, impacted by floods, drought and food security. One in five species are now at risk of extinction. Wales and the UK is one of the most nature depleted nations. Our economy relies on it. Education is a key essential to bring about change.
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