Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) now available for Wave 3 Made-for-Wales qualifications
Following the publication of the approved specifications for our Wave 3 Made-for-Wales qualifications, we are pleased to announce that the associated Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) are now available. These resources will support teachers and lecturers as they prepare for first teaching from September 2027.
Commenting on the publication, Ian Morgan, Chief Executive of WJEC, said:
| "The release of the Sample Assessment Materials marks an important step in supporting schools and colleges as they begin delivering these exciting new qualifications. The SAMs provide an early insight into the style of assessment and accompanying mark schemes, helping educators prepare with confidence for the first assessment series. These materials form part of a comprehensive support package being developed for each qualification. Alongside the approved Specification and SAMs, the package will include Teaching Guidance and a range of free, adaptable digital resources. |
In addition, we will be providing a programme of on-demand bilingual training, complemented by subject-specific twilight sessions and regular Subject Forum meetings.
Together, these resources and professional learning opportunities will support effective delivery and help ensure the qualifications align with the aspirations of the Curriculum for Wales."
SAMs are designed to demonstrate how qualification content may be assessed before live assessment materials become available. They help teachers, lecturers and learners understand assessment requirements by providing sample questions and indicative mark schemes that can be used as part of teaching, learning and assessment preparation.
The SAMs are now available to download from the following qualification pages:
Together, these qualifications represent another significant milestone in Wales' national qualifications reform programme. Their development reinforces WJEC's commitment to delivering high-quality, learner-centred qualifications that meet the needs of schools, colleges, learners and employers across Wales.
Utilising SAMs
We recommend that teachers and lecturers utilise the whole raft of support that will be available when delivering our qualifications, which includes our Specifications, SAMs, Guidance for Teaching and resources.
SAMs can be used as part of teacher-directed activities or learner-directed activities. They can be used for examination practise once learning on a topic or unit has been completed. They can also be used as a guide for teachers or learners to create their own questions to evaluate learning and identify areas for improvement. It is really important to understand that the purpose of the SAMs is to illustrate what an assessment could look like in future examination series and therefore should be used once learning has been completed.
In accordance with Qualifications Wales' timeline, we will publish Guidance for Teaching in January; this Guidance will support teachers in preparing for assessment and will highlight opportunities for embedding aspects of the Curriculum for Wales into the delivery of the qualifications.
Comprehensive support for centres
To help schools and colleges prepare for first teaching, we have developed a comprehensive package of bilingual support, including:
Free Digital Resources – a suite of editable bilingual teaching and learning resources, including blended learning materials, worksheets, teacher guidance and skills and knowledge organisers.
Professional Learning – a programme of on-demand bilingual training, complemented by subject-specific twilight sessions and regular Subject Forum meetings.
Dedicated Regional Support: Our Regional Representative, Sophie Dobbs, is available to provide both face-to-face and online support for schools and colleges. To discuss the new qualifications or arrange a meeting, please email wave3@wjec.co.uk.
Our Wales Regional Support Team is also on hand to answer your queries on Personal Project and Skills Suite qualifications at SkillsSupportCymru@wjec.co.uk.
Find out more
Visit our dedicated Wave 3 webpages to download the approved specifications and explore the full range of support available.
If you have any questions, please contact us at wave3@wjec.co.uk.
We look forward to continuing to work with schools and colleges as they prepare to deliver these exciting new qualifications from September 2027.