Delivering Made-for-Wales together: Wave 2 progress and summer milestones

The journey of our Made-for-Wales qualifications continues. Following the successful launch of our Wave 1 qualifications, I'm excited to share that our draft specifications for Wave 2 are now available – marking another significant milestone in creating qualifications that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of learners in Wales. 

As September fast approaches, I want to reassure you that our commitment to supporting you throughout the delivery of our Wave 1 qualifications remains steadfast. I know preparing for these new qualifications has been challenging and delivering them for the first time will bring further challenges, but we are here to support you.  

I would like to thank you for your exceptional engagement during our Pan-Wales Professional Learning events and remind you that there are additional Professional Learning activities designed to support the delivery of Wave 1 qualifications. Meanwhile, our Digital Resources Team is on track to publish the full suite of FREE adaptable resources by the end of August, with 325 packages ready to support your teaching journey. 

Looking ahead to Wave 2 qualifications, our Professional Learning Team has prepared a comprehensive programme of FREE training opportunities. These sessions, delivered by our subject experts both online and face-to-face across Wales, will provide practical guidance as you prepare to deliver Wave 2 qualifications with confidence. FREE adaptable resources will also be available to support your implementation. 

Co-constructing our Made-for-Wales suite 

Co-construction continues to be central to developing our Made-for-Wales qualifications. Throughout their development, we collaborated with teachers, lecturers and learners through our advisory groups, consultations and engagement events. Building on this foundation, we're continuing to work with Diversity and Anti-Racism Professional Learning (DARPL) and anti-racism consultant Rachel Clarke from APEX Educate to ensure our qualifications are inclusive and diverse. Together, these valuable insights are helping us shape qualifications that truly resonate and represent learners across Wales 

We would like to thank everyone who provided us with constructive feedback during this collaborative period and as we progress to the development of the next phase of qualifications, I hope you will continue to take an active role in these activities.  

Wave 3 qualifications 

Building on this foundation, extensive work has already taken place in developing our third Wave of Made-for-Wales qualifications, offering learners enhanced practical learning experiences across a diverse vocational portfolio. This enhanced portfolio includes our new, industry-focused, Vocational Certificates for Secondary Education (VCSEs), a Skills Suite and a Personal Project qualification that builds on the success of our Skills Challenge Certificate, alongside a range of Foundation qualifications. Central to this development is our commitment to maintaining rigorous standards while ensuring these qualifications bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. Wave 3 builds on our co-construction tradition through expanded industry partnerships, ensuring these qualifications deliver genuine market value and forge stronger connections to the world of work. 

Connecting with our educational community 

This term has been particularly enriching as we've engaged with stakeholders across Wales. In May, I had the privilege of delivering a Senedd Briefing, where the engagement and support from Members of the Senedd was both encouraging and constructive. 

Our engagement with schools and colleges continues to be a priority. Recently, I visited Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr in Swansea, where discussions with staff and learners offered their perspectives on how our qualifications work in practice. We've also been connecting with educational leaders through the Senior Leaders networks in North and South Wales. These conversations with experienced leaders across the sector are invaluable in steering our strategic decisions. 

If you'd like to arrange a visit from myself to discuss how WJEC can better support you, please contact lorna.turner@wjec.co.uk. 

A particular highlight was our attendance at Eisteddfod yr Urdd in May, where we engaged with hundreds of learners, parents and teachers, raising awareness of our qualifications and connecting with the Welsh-speaking community. This celebratory event provided us with a unique opportunity to connect with the wider community in a less formal setting, demonstrating our active support for Welsh culture and language, while gathering insights in an environment that celebrates cultural achievements. We look forward to continuing these meaningful conversations with learners, educators and families at the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol this August. 

I would like to thank you all for your continued support through the year, and we wish everyone the best of luck for the remainder of the summer term. 

Yours sincerely 

Ian