Have your say! Shape the future of GCSE English Language and LiteratureOver recent months, we have heard concerns regarding the teacher workload associated with delivery of the new GCSE English Language and Literature (Single and Double Award) qualifications.
As a responsible awarding body, we have been working closely with key stakeholders to explore ways to improve the manageability of these qualifications and have concluded that significant adjustments are needed.
Shaping future changesWe have explored significant changes that include the removal of assessments, including oracy assessments, from units. As these would require amendments to the Approval Criteria developed to support the Curriculum for Wales, discussions have taken place with Qualifications Wales and Welsh Government.
Where possible, any approved changes would be implemented for Year 10 cohorts starting in September 2026.
The flexible, unitised structure of the qualification means that there is variation in what work centres have already undertaken, and many Year 10 learners who began the qualification in September 2025 have already completed some of the units. As it is important that grades within a cohort are comparable, these changes cannot be applied to learners who began the qualification in September 2025.
Share your views – consultation now open Before we proceed with any changes, we are seeking stakeholder feedback on the proposed options for change. Responders are strongly encouraged to review the consultation materials on the next page, alongside the survey questions and complete the survey by 19 June 2026.
We will communicate the outcome of the consultation, along with confirmation of any agreed changes, before the end of the summer term.
Other changes to be implemented from September 2026 In addition to the significant changes being explored in this survey, the following changes have been identified and will be implemented from September 2026:
- Reverting from requiring mandatory audio-visual evidence of oracy assessments to the previous arrangement of requiring either audio or audio-visual evidence of oracy assessments
- Accepting the incoming and outgoing non-examination assessment briefs in years of overlap
- Clarifying that a teacher can be included as a member of group discussions in cases of absenteeism/special requirements
For further information, please contact qualificationdevelopment@wjec.co.uk
