New module on genetics and evolution as GCSE and A Level Science curriculum content published

9 April, 2014

The Government has today published new GCSE and AS and A Level curriculum content for a wide range of subjects, including Science and History. The new content is to be taught from 2015, and includes a new module in A Level Biology on genetics and evolution. In addition, it has been announced that content for a range of other subjects, including Religious Studies and Citizenship, will be developed for teaching from 2016. The British Humanist Association (BHA) responded to both consultations and has welcomed the new genetics/evolution module.

The BHA also called for teaching about non-hormonal contraceptives in GCSE science. Pleasingly the document has been amended to require pupils to ‘evaluate hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception’.

On the other hand, the BHA also asked for more coverage of ‘the nature of evidence, whether evidence is reliable and why it might not be, causation and correlation, and blinding and randomising trials’, and for changes to ensure that History is as inclusive of non-religious worldviews as it is of religions. These changes have not been made.

BHA Education Campaigner Richy Thompson commented, ‘We are pleased to see a new section on genetics and evolution will be taught as part of A Level Biology from 2015. Scientists and educational experts tell us that the topics are so central to the field of biology that it should be given this level of coverage.’

Notes

For further comment or information, please contact Richy Thompson at richy@humanists.uk or on 020 3675 0959.

Read the Government’s announcement: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-arts-gcses-to-be-introduced-in-2016

Read Michael Gove’s statement: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/gcse-and-a-level-reform

With respect to A Levels:

With respect to GCSEs:

Read more about the BHA’s campaigns work on science: https://humanists.uk/campaigns/schools-and-education/school-curriculum/science-evolution-and-creationism/

The British Humanist Association is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people who seek to live ethical and fulfilling lives on the basis of reason and humanity. It promotes a secular state and equal treatment in law and policy of everyone, regardless of religion or belief.