Leading environmentalists have called on the government to introduce a natural history immediately, amid fears it could be delayed until 2030.
The previous Conservative administration supported the creation of GCSEs, which would teach pupils how to observe, classify and classify plants and animals.
However, campaigners claimed that the plans had been compromised by Labor because the qualification was seen as a “Conservative Party Initiative”.
In a letter to The Times, leading environmentalists – including conservation campaigner Mary Colwell, former Green MP Caroline Lucas and film producer Alistair Fothergill – urged the government to act now.
“The proposed GCSE in Natural History, agreed by the last government but not finalized before the general election, has been stalled exhaustion It may be delayed for four or five years if it is subject to government curriculum and assessment review,” the letter read.
“The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, and children are removed from the natural world more than at any time in history. This qualification is designed to reconnect young people with nature and give them the skills and knowledge needed to put right the crisis we face.
“It enjoys widespread support among teachers, students, colleges, universities and business recognizing how it addresses serious skills shortages and promotes a green economy.”
Proposed GCSE, Announced in 2022was supposed to be taught in schools by 2025. The then education minister, Nadhim Zahawi, said at the time that it would give young people “the opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding” of the environment and “how we can come together to conserve it.”
But now campaigners fear the introduction of the qualification will be folded into the wider curriculum review announced by the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, when it swept Labor last summer.
The letter added: “The qualification will also encourage links with the arts. Research shows that a meaningful connection with nature benefits mental and physical health and may stimulate school attendance. It is a good news story in the making. We urge the Secretary of State to give it the green light without further delay.”
A Department for Education spokesman said on Saturday: “We are committed to driving high standards in schools and ensuring all pupils benefit from a rich, balanced curriculum that sets them up for work and life.
“Through the National Nature Park programme, led by the Natural History Museum, children and young people are inspired to connect with nature and develop their understanding of their role in climate change.
“The government is currently in the process of considering next steps for GCSE Natural History.”
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Announcing the GCSE, the Conservative government said the qualification would enable young people to explore the world by learning about organisms, environments, environmental issues and sustainability.
They will also develop skills that can help them carve a career working with the natural world, he said.
The qualifications had gone through most of the policy process by the time of the general election and were due to go out for public consultation, the final stage before policy was drawn up. However, campaigners have been told that GCSEs are now on hold indefinitely.
Colwell told The Guardian last month: “We’ve been saying to Labor, ‘It’s ready,’ it’s a very popular thing you can do.
“The message we have received in response to it is that it is seen as a Tory initiative, so it needs to be re-evaluated.”
