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Frequently Asked Questions

Made for Wales: WJEC is ready to deliver

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Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs are regularly updated to ensure you have all the latest information.

Should you have any further queries, please email qualificationdevelopment@wjec.co.uk.

{"accordionHeading":"General queries","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What is ‘Qualified for the future’?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"‘Qualified for the future’ was launched by Qualifications Wales in 2019, where they set out their vision for future qualifications for 14- to 16-year-olds. These reforms aimed to support Welsh Government’s ‘Curriculum for Wales’, which schools and colleges began delivering from September 2022.\nAs part of this review, a new suite of bilingual GCSEs will be designed, developed and delivered by WJEC for schools and colleges across Wales."},{"accordionTitle":"What is WJEC’s role in this project?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"WJEC will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering the new suite of GCSE qualifications based on the decisions made by Qualifications Wales.\nQualifications Wales has provided us with <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/made-for-wales-gcses/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Made-for-Wales GCSE decisions\">qualification frameworks</a> which prescribe the content and assessments for each subject.\nOur teams will adopt a co-construct approach to qualification development, by engaging with stakeholders from across Wales and beyond. We will continue to work closely with Qualifications Wales, ensuring that our new qualifications meet their regulatory requirements. <a id=\"QFF-quals\"></a>"},{"accordionTitle":"What support will WJEC be providing in the delivery of these new qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We will continue to be on-hand to provide the highest level of bilingual guidance and support to teachers; including free teaching and learning resources, professional learning opportunities, and subject-specific advice."},{"accordionTitle":"How can I receive the latest information?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"To ensure you receive the latest updates, please <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/subscribe-for-updates/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Subscribe for updates\">subscribe to our mailing list</a> and follow us on social media - <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/glgnygmq/facebook-icon-transparent-background-3small.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Facebook\">Facebook</a>, <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/odrjf51y/instagram-colour.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Instagram\">Instagram</a>, <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/z0kh1ng0/linkedin_png32small.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC LinkedIn\">LinkedIn</a> and <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/media/0udbynbn/twitter_sq-512.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Twitter\">Twitter</a>."}]}

{"accordionHeading":"Qualification Development","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What qualifications are being reformed?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"As part of Qualifications Wales’ ‘Qualified for the future’ project, WJEC will be developing 28 new Made-for-Wales GCSEs, alongside a small number of additional qualifications across three phases.\nPhase 1: First teaching 2025\nNew GCSEs\n<ul>\n<li>Art and Design</li>\n<li>Business</li>\n<li>Computer Science</li>\n<li>Core Cymraeg</li>\n<li>Cymraeg Language and Literature (Double Award)</li>\n<li>Cymraeg Language and Literature (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Drama</li>\n<li>English Language and Literature (Double Award)</li>\n<li>English Language and Literature (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Food and Nutrition</li>\n<li>French</li>\n<li>Geography</li>\n<li>German</li>\n<li>History</li>\n<li>Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)</li>\n<li>Music</li>\n<li>Religious Studies</li>\n<li>Spanish</li>\n<li>The Sciences (Double Award)</li>\n</ul>\nNon-GCSE qualification\n<ul>\n<li>Level 2 Additional Core Cymraeg</li>\n</ul>\nPhase 2: First teaching 2026\nNew GCSEs\n<ul>\n<li>Built Environment (Updated GCSE)</li>\n<li>Dance</li>\n<li>Design and Technology</li>\n<li>Digital Media and Film</li>\n<li>Digital Technology (Updated GCSE)</li>\n<li>Engineering</li>\n<li>Health and Social Care, and Childcare</li>\n<li>Physical Education and Health</li>\n<li>The Sciences (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Social Studies</li>\n</ul>\nNon-GCSE qualification\n<ul>\n<li>Level 2 Additional Mathematics</li>\n</ul>\nPhase 3: First teaching 2027\nGCSE\n<ul>\n<li>British Sign Language</li>\n</ul>"},{"accordionTitle":"How will these qualifications be developed?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Qualification development will be led by WJEC’s Qualification Development Team. Throughout this process, we will work closely with a range of stakeholders to co-construct a suite of new qualifications that are inclusive, engaging, and support the curriculum.\nOpen dialogue, feedback, and discussion will inform every step of the qualification development process.\nWe will seek a broad range of views and opinions to ensure that our new suite of qualifications equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further education, training and employment."},{"accordionTitle":"How can I get involved in the development process?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We will be consulting on our proposals in due course which give an opportunity to capture a broad range of views and opinions to ensure that our new suite of qualifications equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further education, training and employment.\nTo further support our qualification development, we will establish a series of advisory groups which will feature a wide representation of stakeholders from across the education sector, with a complementary range of experience and knowledge.\nTo get involved in the development process, please visit our <a href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/qualified-for-the-future-wjec-is-ready-to-deliver/get-involved-join-our-advisory-group/\">Advisory Groups page</a> and find out all you need to know to have your say and help shape this new suite of qualifications."},{"accordionTitle":"When will these qualifications be available to teach?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"These new qualifications will be available to schools and colleges in Wales across three phases, the first group will be available for teaching from September 2025, the second for teaching from September 2026 and the third from September 2027."},{"accordionTitle":"What Advisory Groups have been established to support the development of these new qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We are committed to adopting a co-construction approach to the development of our qualifications, therefore, considering the views and opinions of a broad range of stakeholders is an integral part of this process. To support this approach, we have established the following advisory groups: Learner Advisory Group, Overall Stakeholder Advisory Group, Qualification Development Advisory Group (QDAG) and Headteacher Advisory Group.\nFurther information on these groups is available <a href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wjec-is-ready-to-deliver/our-advisory-groups/\" title=\"Advisory Groups\" data-anchor=\"#\">here</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"Where can I access the qualification outlines?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Following an extensive consultation process, we published our final qualification outlines in January 2024. Outlines and a summary report, outlining the steps we took, based on the consultation feedback are available for the first wave of qualifications which will be delivered by centres from September 2025. To access the outlines, please visit the following webpage <a href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/articles/made-for-wales-qualification-outlines-and-consultation-report-now-available/\">here</a>."}]}

{"accordionHeading":"The Full 14-16 Offer","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What qualifications are available as part of the Full 14-16 Offer?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Qualifications Wales has launched the new Full 14-16 Offer which will be in place by September 2027. The Full 14-16 Offer qualifications includes a range of new qualifications including: Made-for-Wales GCSEs, VCSEs, Foundation Qualifications or a Skills Suite.\nFurther information on these qualifications is available via Qualifications Wales’ website <a href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/made-for-wales-gcses/\">here</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"What is the difference between GCSEs and VCSEs?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Alongside the new WJEC Made-for-Wales GCSEs, Qualifications Wales has also launched a new suite of qualifications named the Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education (VCSE). These qualifications will be introduced from September 2027 and will adopt a more practical approach to learning and assessment. Further information on these is available via Qualifications Wales’ website <a href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/the-full-14-16-offer/\">here</a>."}]}

{"accordionHeading":"Non-examination assessment","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What support will WJEC provide in the delivery of this additional Non-examination assessment (NEA)?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"As with all our qualifications, we will offer a comprehensive package of support including direct access to subject specialists, free professional learning to assist in the preparation and delivery of these qualifications and a raft of free digital resources. We will also offer advice and guidance in the delivery and marking of NEA, to assist teacher/lecturers in their assessments, alongside moderation to ensure standards are maintained.\nWe will ensure manageability, within the parameters of the Approval Criteria, which we have been discussing with stakeholders and will continue to do so as we develop the detail of the qualifications."},{"accordionTitle":"Why is there additional Non-examination assessment (NEA) for these new qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The proportion of NEA for each subject was determined by our regulator, Qualifications Wales, this decision was not made by us.\nQualifications Wales considered the proportion of non-examination assessment and its marking during their process of developing the Approval Criteria, and their final decisions are reflected in their published Approval Criteria which we must adhere to."}]}

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