New GCSE subjects launched in Wales with less traditional subjects proposed

Pupils in Wales would be taking a range of different exams in different subjects under the new plans. Credit: PA

Proposals have been revealed to overhaul the education system in Wales, introducing new GCSE's to schools across the country.

Under the proposed changes English language and English literature GCSEs will be merged into one GCSE subject.

Pupils in Wales would also no longer take three separate science GCSEs but new GCSEs in engineering and manufacturing and digital media and film will be created.

The new curriculum set out by exam regulator Qualifications Wales says it's 'crucial' to prepare students for an 'ever-changing world'.

Wales' new curriculum starts being rolled out in primary schools and the first year of secondary schools from September 2022. The proposals look to coordinate with the new curriculum for Wales.

The new curriculum moves away from distinct subjects and focuses on six broad areas of learning and experience.

The Royal Society of Chemistry said, "Some qualifications don’t appropriately prepare students for chemistry A-level or other Level 3 qualifications, so it is clearly not ideal having schools impose choices – or asking students to make decisions at the age of 14 – that could narrow down their future options for work and study."

Qualifications Wales consulted with around 1500 learners, parents, teachers, lecturers, and employers in Wales before publishing its proposals.

The revamp would mean pupils would do less traditional subjects. Credit: PA

The proposed new GCSE'S for Wales to be taught from 2025:

Expressive arts

  • Art and Design

  • Drama

  • Music

  • Film and Digital Media

  • A new made-for-Wales Dance qualification.  

  • A choice of multi-disciplinary qualifications in Expressive Arts will continue to be available. 

Health and Wellbeing

  • Food and Nutrition

  • Physical Education

  • Health and Social Care, and Childcare.

Humanities

  • Business

  • Geography

  • History

  • Religious Studies

  • Social Studies.

Languages, Literacy and Communication 

A new integrated English Language and Literature GCSE. 

  • French

  • German

  • Spanish 

  • A new made-for-Wales British Sign Language qualification aimed at school-aged learners. 

  • Welsh- Qualification Wales says it will confirm in January 2022 the choice of Welsh language qualifications that should be available to support the Curriculum for Wales. They said they will "work with stakeholders to review our original proposals to make sure the changes are as effective as possible in supporting Welsh Government’s policy on the Welsh language in education."

Mathematics 

  • A new integrated Mathematics and Numeracy GCSE. 

  • And two new made-for-Wales qualifications that can be taken in addition to the GCSE.

Science and Technology 

  • Computer Science

  • Built Environment

  • Design and Technology

  • Digital Technology

  • Engineering and Manufacturing

  • And a new, integrated GCSE Science double award qualification to replace the existing science GCSEs.

Integral Skills 

The current Skills Challenge Certificate will be replaced with a simpler and more manageable qualification to assess the Integral Skills of: 

  • Creativity and Innovation

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 

  • Personal Effectiveness 

  • Planning and Organising


After two years of cancelled exams due to Covid, the report issued by the regulator says the pandemic has changed perceptions of qualifications and highlighted the need for 'greater robustness and resilience in the system.'

Director of education, Sarah Robertson from the Royal Society of Chemistry responded to the consultation earlier this year and strongly agrees that providing a common route for students is the right course of action.

But she said, "We would want to see a single GCSE Science qualification presenting a clear identity for chemistry and other core sciences, that supports progression to the next stage, and is accessible to learners, with an equivalency of two GCSEs.

"This qualification is crucial in providing an inspirational education experience that ignites the spark in students who will be the highly-skilled workforce of the future, fighting pandemics, climate change and making the scientific advances that make all our lives better.”

 Qualifications Wales Chief Executive Philip Blaker, said: “We want to work together with others to rethink and co-construct an entirely new generation of GCSEs. We want everyone – learners, teachers, lecturers, employers and parents – to help re-imagine how qualifications are assessed. 

"With new content and new assessment focused on experiences and well-being that will bring the new curriculum to life and meet the needs of all learners."