Bringing learning to life: Practical, inclusive, and inspiring – our new GCSEs in Dance and Physical Education and Health

Through their development, we’ve continued in our co-construction approach, working closely with teachers, learners, and industry experts to shape courses that are not only inspiring, but also relevant and reflective of current practices. We are confident that these qualifications balance strong theoretical understanding with practical application—giving learners the knowledge they need and the confidence to apply it in real-world settings. 

Celebrating dance in the classroom 

We’re incredibly proud to announce the launch of our first-ever GCSE in Dance—a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring qualification developed in collaboration with a range of talented dance companies and choreographers. 

This exciting new course offers learners the chance to explore a diverse spectrum of dance, drawing from a wide range of choreographers, styles, genres, and cultural contexts. From contemporary and street dance to classical and global influences, learners will engage with works made or inspired by Wales, as well as powerful contributions from BAME individuals and groups. 

At its heart, this qualification is about more than technique—it’s about creativity, cultural awareness, and personal expression. Through a rich breadth and depth of study, learners will gain the tools and inspiration to develop their own choreography and performances, building confidence, skill, and a deeper appreciation for the art of dance. 

Focusing on the practical elements of sport, physical activities, health and wellbeing 

Our new GCSE in Physical Education and Health has retained the most popular aspect of our current specification, whilst introducing more practical assessments, which reflect the evolving nature of the subject. By focusing not just on knowledge, learners will demonstrate their competence in physical activities, health and wellbeing.  

As part of these changes, we have introduced a Personal Training component. This new element gives learners the chance to take ownership of their physical development by designing and following their own training programme. 

We believe these updates will give learners even more opportunity to shine—whether they’re passionate about athletics, team sports, personal fitness, or health and wellbeing. By bridging theory with practice, our revised GCSE encourages learners to not only understand the principles of physical education, but to live them. 

Enhancing learners’ skillset 

While practical performance is a key focus of our new qualifications, they are also designed to help learners develop a broader skillset that extends far beyond the subject itself. Through active participation, learners will build essential life skills like teamwork, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. These transferable skills not only enhance their experience within the qualification but also support success across other subjects and personal development more broadly. 

Inspiring digital assessments 

We're always looking for ways to make learning more relevant, engaging, and inspiring—and our use of digital assessment in both Dance and Physical Education and Health will support this ambition. These assessments feature dynamic digital stimuli—interactive, real-world scenarios designed to capture learners’ attention. Whether it's analysing a performance clip or responding to a virtual coaching situation, learners are challenged to apply their understanding in meaningful, practical ways.  

We’re excited to share our new qualifications, which have a strong focus on practical skill development, giving learners the chance to get hands-on, active, and fully involved in their learning. But just as importantly, these practical experiences are grounded in a solid theoretical foundation. This balanced approach not only boosts confidence and performance but also deepens learners’ appreciation for the subject.”