Have your say! Shape the future of GCSE Welsh Language and Literature

Over recent months, we have heard some concerns regarding the teacher workload associated with the delivery of the new GCSE Cymraeg Language and Literature (Single and Double Award) qualifications.  

As a responsible awarding body, we have been working closely with key stakeholders to explore ways to improve manageability of these qualifications.  

Shaping future changes

Consideration was given to the removal of assessments, including oracy assessments, from units. We could not identify a written or oral task to remove that would not have a negative impact on learners skills development and progression to AS and A level. Furthermore, it would not be appropriate to reduce the number of oracy tasks as this would conflict with the wider policy focus on oracy within Cymraeg.  

As a result, and following discussions with Qualifications Wales and Welsh Government, it has been agreed that we will not remove tasks from the qualification. 

There are, however, several potential changes that could help improve manageability in the future. These would involve detailed development work and further stakeholder engagement would be required, and therefore cannot be implemented for the incoming September 2026 Year 10 cohort. A revised specification and sample assessment materials could be published by the end of December 2026 for first teaching for the September 2027 Year 10 cohort.    

Share your views – consultation now open

Before we proceed with any changes, we are seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed options for change. The proposed changes are outlined at the start of the survey which can be found here (please complete the survey by 19 June 2026): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QXLDVF2  

We will communicate the outcome of the consultation, along with confirmation of any agreed changes, before the end of the summer term. 

Other changes to be implemented from September 2026

In addition to the changes being explored in this survey, the following changes have been identified and will be implemented from September 2026: 

  • Clarifying that we will accept the incoming and outgoing non-examination assessment briefs in years of overlap  

  • Clarifying that a teacher can be included as a member of group discussions in cases of absenteeism/special requirements  

For further information, please contact qualificationdevelopment@wjec.co.uk