The Department for Education sought views on proposed subject content for a new GCSE in Natural History for schools in England.

CIEEM strongly welcomes the introduction of this qualification.

Our response focused on:

• Ensuring all students are able to fully take part in all aspects of the qualification, including practical elements. We affirm that students from groups that are underrepresented in the ecology sector in particular, including students from ethnic minority and / or disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and students with disabilities, must be able to access all the opportunities afforded to them by this new qualification.
• Teaching about non-native or invasive species for each habitat or ecosystem explored in course.