Developing and delivering a bespoke Natural History course

Through observational study and investigation the course we have developed aims to equip pupils with a variety of skills that come from observing and understanding whole organisms in all of their complex and interconnected wonder; from the identification of common terrestrial and aquatic species across the seasons by leaf, song, flower and footprint, to understanding how our natural world has been shaped, and how it continues to change, by both natural processes and human intervention. The course aims to increase key transferable skills in our pupils, including observation, monitoring, analysis and report writing. It also incorporates practical fieldwork and observation. After outlining the course in the first half of the session, the second half will comprise an opportunity for participants to discuss in small groups the opportunities and challenges of making space for Natural History in a crowded curriculum, and in diverse geographical locations, with time for feedback and action planning as part of a plenary. I have led the development and implementation of a bespoke Natural History course to be taught to Year 8 pupils at Brighton College from September 2025. This session would seek to showcase the development of this initiative, and in so doing hope to inspire other schools to create a similar programme themselves. Building upon my own personal passion for Natural History, and an increasing frustration with the pace of implementation of the proposed GCSE in Natural History, we decided to get on with it ourselves and build a course that will empower our Year 8 pupils to understand the diversity, interconnectivity and challenges faced by our natural biodiversity. Intended outcomes for participants: To leave fired up with ideas for implementing a Natural History course.