The course will aim to give young people “a deeper knowledge of the physical world around them” and will be available to students from 2025. Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi, who will officially announce the qualifications on Thursday, said: “The new GCSE natural history will offer young people the opportunity to develop a deeper knowledge and understanding of this amazing planet, its environment and how to preserve it.” . It is one of the first new degrees to be announced after the reform of the examination system in 2017. Image: Nadhim Zahawi vows to introduce new science curriculum by 2023 A wide outline was designed for the lesson The Ministry of Education says the natural history course will allow students to “explore the world by learning about organizations and environments, environmental issues and sustainability”. The general outline of the course has been drawn up, but now the staff will work with the test boards and Ofqual, the exam regulator, to design a complete curriculum. It is understood that climate change will be a key focus of the course. Follow the Daily Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker A 2021 global survey of 10 countries showed the depth of stress that many young people feel about climate change. Nearly 60% of young people who approached Bath University said they felt very anxious or extremely worried about the environment. The survey spoke to 10,000 people between the ages of 16 and 25. Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 3:06 UN warns of “climate catastrophe” What are students being taught today? Students are already learning about urbanization and landscapes in geography and habitats in science. During COP26, the secretary of education said teachers would be supported to provide education on climate change through a new science curriculum by 2023. Climate change is currently in the curriculum and is taught in science, citizenship and geography from Basic Stage 3 (beginning of secondary education) onwards. In elementary school (Basic Stages 1 and 2) students are taught the basic concepts – including what climate is, how it changes and the difference between man-made and natural environment. The education secretary will also launch a broader Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy, which will “help young people develop excellent STEM knowledge and practical opportunities to improve biodiversity and climate resilience”.