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Wales is set to see important revisions to its recently introduced English Language and Literature GCSE qualifications following widespread concerns about the increasing workload for both teachers and students. The new courses, which formed part of a comprehensive curriculum reform launched in September 2025, have been criticized for including more assessments throughout the school year, leading to burnout in schools.
The WJEC exam board has opened a consultation to propose changes to both the English and Welsh language and literature GCSEs. After receiving feedback from school leaders, educators, and other stakeholders, WJEC acknowledged the need to address the “totally unmanageable” workload. This includes reevaluating the substantial emphasis placed on non-examination assessments (NEA), a set of tasks such as oral work, field studies, portfolios, and practical assignments often designed and assessed by teachers rather than through formal exams.
Specifically, for the English Language and Literature GCSE, WJEC is considering reducing the amount of oracy-related assessments and possibly removing the requirement that certain tasks be completed under close teacher supervision, such as planning and research phases. Any significant adjustments would take effect from September 2026, targeting new Year 10 pupils, while those currently halfway through the course would not be affected. Meanwhile, more restrained modifications are under review for the Welsh language and literature courses, with potential changes planned to roll out by September 2027, aiming to enhance manageability without eliminating essential coursework.
The calls for reform come amid urgent pleas from educators, including headteachers in Cardiff who highlighted the intense pressures on staff wellbeing and student learning caused by the current demands. Collaboration between WJEC, practitioners, Qualifications Wales, and governmental bodies remains ongoing to ensure that these qualifications maintain their educational standards while becoming more deliverable in practice. The consultation period will remain open until mid-June, after which the feedback will be analyzed and decisions announced before the summer term concludes. Stakeholders such as the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru and the UCAC union have expressed support for the review, hoping for a more balanced and sustainable examination framework moving forward. Qualifications Wales has also backed the process, emphasizing the need for any adjustments to be approved before implementation to secure the successful rollout of the new GCSEs
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