New WJEC Curriculum Changes
From September 2025, the curriculums for English and Maths at GCSE level in Wales have changed (the changes to the Science GCSE have been delayed).
Jane Williams is an experienced headteacher, overseas school inspector and education consultant. She is working with her staff at the Llandaff North Tuition Centre and MagiKats HQ to ensure the requirements of the new specifications are being met.
WJEC Maths GCSE:
In maths, the Numeracy GCSE and the Mathematics GCSE have been combined into a double award; this means the teaching content has been altered and the exam structure has changed. Topics now include financial mathematics and the application of number into real life contexts, as well as the original topics such as number, probability, algebra and geometry. The exams will consist of long and short questions, including both structured and non-structured questioning, with a portion of them being set in real-life contexts. This change will result in students sitting 3 separate exams to achieve two GCSE grades, known as a double award.
WJEC English GCSE:
Similarly in English, the English Language and English Literature GCSEs have been combined, with students completing up to 6 units to achieve a double award (all 6 units to be completed) or a single award (only 4 units to be completed). There are new poems, new books, and new revision guides. Just like the current GCSEs, there will be in-class assessments, as well as formal written exams and oral assessments. The curriculum is placing an emphasis on belonging, influence and power, motivations, and continuity and change, to name a few. It will help students to study the texts and poems in a more focused way.
GCSE Preparation at Llandaff North
Jane and her team have been working hard to adapt to the changes. Jane commented, “Our current Year 10s, who will start some of the assessment elements in summer 2026, have already started the new curriculums and staff are explaining the changes so that they are ready for the new formats and feel confident. Our parents are able to ask staff questions; we, ourselves, are studying the new curriculum topics and planning for the changes.”
If you would like to find out more, or have any questions, then please do get in touch.