Significant changes to new GSCEs likely after burnout concerns
Significant changes are likely to Wales' new English Language and Literature GCSE after warnings more assessments throughout the school year were leading to burnout among staff and pupils.
New qualifications were introduced from September 2025, part of a major overhaul of the school curriculum.
Opening a consultation on proposed changes to the English and Welsh language and literature qualifications, the WJEC exam board said it had "listened carefully to concerns raised by schools leaders, teachers and other stakeholders regarding the workload".
A headteachers' union said it was "relieved" changes were being looked at to what it called a "totally unmanageable" additional workload for schools.
Some new GCSE courses have a far greater proportion of non-examination assessments (NEA), along with less emphasis on formal exams.
NEAs include a range of activities such as oral assessments, fieldwork, portfolio work and practical assessments which are often set and marked by teachers.
Only months since it started being taught, the WJEC said it had "concluded that significant adjustments are needed" to the GCSE English Language and Literature course after feedback from schools.
The exam board is consulting on reducing the level of oracy assessments, while it is also considering dropping the requirement for planning and research for tasks to be completed under a high level of teacher supervision.
Any major changes would be introduced for Year 10 students starting in September 2026 but would not apply to pupils who were already a year into the course, the WJEC said.
More limited changes are also being considered for the Welsh language and literature qualification.
Tasks would not be removed from the GCSE, but the WJEC said it was considering "several potential changes that could help improve manageability in the future". Those changes would be introduced from September 2027.
The developments follow warnings from teachers about the pressures of planning and marking the work, as well as the demands on pupils.
Headteachers in Cardiff sent a letter to the WJEC and regulator Qualifications Wales warning the reforms were placing schools "under extreme pressure" and calling for "urgent action…. to protect staff wellbeing and pupil learning".
The WJEC said it had been "working closely with practitioners, head teachers, Qualifications Wales and other key stakeholders to explore ways of improving the manageability of these qualifications while maintaining their educational integrity and supporting positive outcomes for learners".
"The consultations will remain open until mid-June, after which we will carefully review all responses and confirm the outcomes before the end of the summer term," the spokesperson said.
"We remain committed to working collaboratively with the education community and to implementing changes that support both teachers and learners, ensuring these qualifications can be delivered effectively and with confidence."
A 'totally unmanageable' workload
Claire Armitstead, director of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, welcomed the move.
"It has been clear from the outset that the level of additional workload the new GCSEs has placed on schools is totally unmanageable," she said.
"We are therefore relieved that WJEC are looking to make adjustments to some of these qualifications in consultation with the profession.
"We hope this will lead to an examination system that is more manageable and deliverable going forward."
The UCAC union said it was pleased the WJEC had listened to the concerns of teachers and pupils.
"We hope that any changes resulting from the consultation will mean there is less pressure on learners and teachers."
Exams watchdog Qualifications Wales said it supported the work being done by WJEC to "address concerns raised by teachers" associated with NEA in a "small number of subjects".
"Once its consultation is complete, WJEC will present its proposed changes to us.
"Any changes to the specifications will need to be approved by Qualifications Wales before they are implemented.
"We continue to work closely with WJEC and Welsh Government to secure the successful implementation of the full suite of new GCSEs."