Significant changes to new GSCEs likely after burnout concerns

Major Revisions to Wales' New GCSEs Expected Amid Burnout Fears

Significant changes to new GSCEs likely - Welsh education authorities are preparing to overhaul the structure of the English Language and Literature GCSE, following widespread concerns about the strain caused by an excessive number of assessments throughout the academic year. These revisions aim to address the growing pressure on both staff and students, as highlighted by educators and unions. The changes, which could significantly reshape the curriculum, are part of a broader review of the qualifications system initiated in 2025.

Consultation on Curriculum Adjustments

The WJEC exam board, responsible for administering the new GCSEs, has launched a consultation to evaluate potential modifications. This follows feedback from schools, teachers, and other stakeholders about the challenges posed by the current workload. According to the WJEC, the focus is on reducing the burden while maintaining the educational standards of the qualifications. The consultation period will run until mid-June, with final decisions expected by the end of the summer term.

"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," said a WJEC spokesperson. "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."

One of the key areas under review is the balance between non-examination assessments (NEA) and formal exams. NEA tasks, which include oral presentations, fieldwork, portfolio submissions, and practical evaluations, have been a central component of the revised curriculum. However, educators argue that these activities, often marked by teachers, have increased the administrative and instructional demands on schools. The WJEC has acknowledged this, stating that "significant adjustments are needed" after receiving input from schools.

Industry Response to Workload Concerns

Reactions from education professionals have been largely positive, with unions expressing relief at the proposed changes. Claire Armitstead, director of the Association of School and College Leaders Cymru, emphasized that the new GCSEs had initially placed an "unmanageable" additional workload on schools. She welcomed the WJEC’s efforts to engage with educators and highlighted the importance of creating a more sustainable system. "We are therefore relieved that WJEC are looking to make adjustments to some of these qualifications in consultation with the profession," she said.

"We hope this will lead to an examination system that is more manageable and deliverable going forward," Armitstead added.

The UCAC union also endorsed the WJEC’s approach, stating that the organization had "listened carefully to concerns raised by teachers and pupils." The union called for measures to alleviate the pressure on learners and educators, with the consultation seen as a crucial step in that direction. Meanwhile, Qualifications Wales, the regulatory body overseeing the reforms, supported the WJEC’s work, particularly its focus on addressing the challenges of NEA in a "small number of subjects."

Specific Changes to the English and Welsh Qualifications

Among the proposed adjustments, the WJEC is considering reducing the emphasis on oracy assessments, which require students to demonstrate verbal skills through presentations or discussions. Additionally, there are plans to remove the mandatory requirement for planning and research tasks, which are typically completed under close teacher supervision. These changes would take effect for Year 10 students starting in September 2026, ensuring that the updated GCSEs are implemented gradually.

For the Welsh language and literature qualification, more limited alterations are being explored. While no tasks will be removed, the WJEC is examining "several potential changes that could help improve manageability in the future." These adjustments would be introduced from September 2027, aligning the Welsh curriculum with the broader reforms in English. The goal is to maintain the rigor of the qualifications while making them more practical for schools to deliver.

Pressure on Schools and Teachers

The call for revisions comes after headteachers in Cardiff warned that the new reforms were placing schools "under extreme pressure." In a letter to the WJEC and Qualifications Wales, they stressed the need for "urgent action" to protect staff wellbeing and student learning. The letter cited the challenges of planning and marking work, which have become increasingly demanding since the GCSEs were introduced. Teachers and schools leaders alike have argued that the current system is unsustainable, with the workload threatening both educational quality and the mental health of staff.

Qualifications Wales, which has been collaborating with the WJEC and the Welsh Government, confirmed its support for the proposed changes. The regulator noted that the WJEC is working to "secure the successful implementation of the full suite of new GCSEs" while addressing the concerns raised by teachers. Any alterations to the specifications must first be approved by Qualifications Wales, ensuring that the revised qualifications meet the necessary standards.

The education community is hopeful that the consultation process will result in a more balanced approach to assessment. With the new GCSEs already in place for some students, the changes are expected to provide relief for those starting in the next academic year. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the need to adapt the curriculum to the realities of modern teaching, balancing academic rigor with the practical demands of the classroom.

As the consultation period progresses, the WJEC aims to finalize adjustments that will make the qualifications more feasible for schools. The emphasis on collaboration with stakeholders underscores the importance of shared decision-making in education reform. With the potential for substantial changes, the future of Wales’ GCSE system appears to be in a state of active review, prioritizing both student achievement and staff sustainability.