It has been a while since I have written anything for this blog. My work at the University of Manchester has continued, but I have also been working harder with schools and FE colleges delivering outreach on natural history. You may note that I say 'natural history' and not 'dinosaurs' or 'palaeontology', as many now happily lump these with natural history (as do I). It has only taken me several decades to realise, but natural history has always been my calling. Don't get me wrong, working on dinosaurs can be fun, but finding ways to engage folks with the natural world is...more fun.
Over the last 3 years or so I have had the honour of working with the Oxford/Cambridge and RSA Natural History GCSE Advisory board on their splendid GCSE in Natural History. The new GCSE was finally approved by the UK Government Department for Education (DfE) on 21st April 2022 as a part of their flagship sustainability and climate change strategy. Since then many folks have been working towards designing a qualification that will hopefully help break the need to navigate the world with two thumbs and start helping kids reengage with the natural world. This qualification was the brainchild of Mary Cowell who ignited a positive fire in many peoples hearts to make the GCSE in Natural History a reality.
If the next generation is to navigate this world sustainably, we must help provide the knowledge and tools for them to do this. This new qualification is a starting point, but should not just be the preserve of a single exam board. It should also not just be the UK that adopts such qualifications, but all nations. The challenges that impact the planet today, will be faced by our children and future generations. What better gift can we give them but knowledge to bring about change. Such knowledge will help future generations make informed decisions when it comes to the natural world. It can help future generations better understand the environmental policies that governments introduce, but more importantly recognise and question the policies that adversely impact the planets future.
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