Frequently Asked Questions

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Made for Wales: Wave 1 & 2

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Frequently Asked Questions

{"grandParentLink":null,"parentLink":{"linkText":"Qualifications in development","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/"},"currentLink":{"linkText":"Frequently Asked Questions","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/frequently-asked-questions/"},"childrenLinks":[{"linkText":"Made for Wales: Wave 1 & 2","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/"},{"linkText":"Made for Wales: Wave 3","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-3/"}],"lowerChildrenLinks":[{"linkText":"Latest Updates","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/latest-updates/"},{"linkText":"Our role","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/our-role/"},{"linkText":"Meet the team","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/meet-the-team/"},{"linkText":"Qualification development process","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/qualification-development-process/"},{"linkText":"Frequently Asked Questions","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/frequently-asked-questions/"},{"linkText":"Qualification outlines and consultations","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/qualification-outlines-and-consultations/"},{"linkText":"FREE Professional Learning","url":"/home/professional-learning/made-for-wales-gcses-professional-learning/"},{"linkText":"FREE adaptable resources","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/free-adaptable-resources/"},{"linkText":"Key information for senior leaders and exams officers","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/key-information-for-senior-leaders-and-exams-officers/"},{"linkText":"Our Advisory Groups","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/our-advisory-groups/"},{"linkText":"Get involved","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/get-involved/"},{"linkText":"Help shape the future of GCSE Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award) assessments","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/help-shape-the-future-of-gcse-mathematics-and-numeracy-double-award-assessments/"},{"linkText":"Get in touch","url":"/en/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wave-1-2/get-in-touch/"}]}

Made for Wales: Wave 3

Frequently Asked Questions

These FAQs are regularly updated to ensure you have all the latest information.

Should you have any further queries, please email qualificationdevelopment@wjec.co.uk.

General Queries
Wave 1 Qualifications
Wave 2 Qualifications

{"accordionId":"9cc0d9ce","accordionHeading":"General queries","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What is ‘Qualified for the future’?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"‘Qualified for the future’ was launched by Qualifications Wales in 2019, where they set out their vision for future qualifications for 14- to 16-year-olds. These reforms aimed to support Welsh Government’s ‘Curriculum for Wales’, which schools and colleges began delivering from September 2022.\nAs part of this review, a new suite of bilingual GCSEs will be designed, developed and delivered by WJEC for schools and colleges across Wales."},{"accordionTitle":"What is WJEC’s role in this project?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"WJEC will be responsible for designing, developing and delivering the new suite of GCSE qualifications based on the decisions made by Qualifications Wales.\nQualifications Wales has provided us with <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/made-for-wales-gcses/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Made-for-Wales GCSE decisions\">qualification frameworks</a> which prescribe the content and assessments for each subject.\nOur teams will adopt a co-construct approach to qualification development, by engaging with stakeholders from across Wales and beyond. We will continue to work closely with Qualifications Wales, ensuring that our new qualifications meet their regulatory requirements. <a id=\"QFF-quals\"></a>"},{"accordionTitle":"How can I receive the latest information?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"To ensure you receive the latest updates, please <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/home/subscribe-for-updates/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Subscribe for updates\">subscribe to our mailing list</a> and follow us on social media - <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/media/glgnygmq/facebook-icon-transparent-background-3small.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Facebook\">Facebook</a>, <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/media/odrjf51y/instagram-colour.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Instagram\">Instagram</a>, <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/media/z0kh1ng0/linkedin_png32small.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC LinkedIn\">LinkedIn</a> and <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/media/0udbynbn/twitter_sq-512.png\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"WJEC Twitter\">Twitter</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"How will these qualifications support the Curriculum for Wales?  ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"These qualifications will support learners in making progress towards the four purposes.  Principles of progression, statements of what matters, together with subject specific skills and concepts, were key considerations during development.  We also looked for opportunities to embed cross-curricular themes and looked for opportunities for integral and cross-curricular skills to be developed as part of the teaching and learning linked to these qualifications. "},{"accordionTitle":"Are these qualifications based on any regulatory requirements? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Each qualification must meet the relevant subject level Approval Criteria which sets out the subject specific requirements for the qualifications from September 2025.  In addition, each GCSE must meet <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://qualifications.wales/media/todnq4cj/national-gcse-qualification-approval-criteria.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"Hyperlink SCXW189859990 BCX0\">Made for Wales GCSE Qualification Approval Criteria</a> and all qualifications must meet <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://qualifications.wales/media/p54jkkfe/standard-conditions-of-recognition.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"Hyperlink SCXW189859990 BCX0\">Standard Conditions of Recognition</a>.  "},{"accordionTitle":"How did you agree the structure, content and assessment approach for the qualifications?  ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The Approval Criteria set out requirements for each qualification, including high level content requirements, assessment objectives and proportion of examination and non-examination assessments. Based on these requirements and consideration of how our qualifications could support the Curriculum for Wales, we developed qualification outlines which we discussed with Qualification Development Advisory Groups before refining and opening up to a public consultation.  The final outlines formed the basis of our detailed development work. Draft specifications and sample assessment materials, alongside a rationale to explain our design decisions, were submitted to Qualifications Wales for review; Qualifications Wales approves the qualifications once it is satisfied that our qualification is complaint with its regulatory requirements. "}]}

{"accordionId":"6fddd0be","accordionHeading":"Qualification Development","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What qualifications are being reformed?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"As part of Qualifications Wales’ ‘Qualified for the future’ project, WJEC will be developing new Made-for-Wales GCSEs, alongside a small number of additional qualifications across three phases.\nWave 1: First teaching 2025\nNew GCSEs\n<ul>\n<li>Art and Design</li>\n<li>Business</li>\n<li>Computer Science</li>\n<li>Core Cymraeg</li>\n<li>Cymraeg Language and Literature (Double Award)</li>\n<li>Cymraeg Language and Literature (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Drama</li>\n<li>English Language and Literature (Double Award)</li>\n<li>English Language and Literature (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Food and Nutrition</li>\n<li>French</li>\n<li>Geography</li>\n<li>German</li>\n<li>Mathematics and Numeracy (Double Award)</li>\n<li>Music</li>\n<li>Religious Studies</li>\n<li>Spanish</li>\n</ul>\nNon-GCSE qualification\n<ul>\n<li>Level 2 Additional Core Cymraeg</li>\n</ul>\nWave 2: First teaching 2026\nNew GCSEs\n<ul>\n<li>Dance</li>\n<li>Design and Technology</li>\n<li>Digital Media and Film</li>\n<li>Digital Technology (Updated GCSE)</li>\n<li>Health and Social Care, and Childcare</li>\n<li>History</li>\n<li>Integrated Science (Single Award)</li>\n<li>Physical Education and Health</li>\n<li>Social Studies</li>\n<li>The Sciences (Double Award)</li>\n</ul>\nNon-GCSE qualification\n<ul>\n<li>Level 2 Additional Mathematics</li>\n</ul>\nWave 3: First teaching 2027\nNew Qualifications\n<ul>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\">VCSEs (Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education)</li>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\">Foundation qualifications</li>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\">Skills Suite:\n<ul>\n<li class=\"MsoNormal\">Skills for Work</li>\n<li>Skills for Life</li>\n<li>Personal Project</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>"},{"accordionTitle":"How will these qualifications be developed?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Qualification development will be led by WJEC’s Qualification Development Team. Throughout this process, we will work closely with a range of stakeholders to co-construct a suite of new qualifications that are inclusive, engaging, and support the curriculum.\nOpen dialogue, feedback, and discussion will inform every step of the qualification development process.\nWe will seek a broad range of views and opinions to ensure that our new suite of qualifications equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further education, training and employment."},{"accordionTitle":"How can I get involved in the development process?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We will be consulting on our proposals in due course which give an opportunity to capture a broad range of views and opinions to ensure that our new suite of qualifications equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need for further education, training and employment.\nTo further support our qualification development, we will establish a series of advisory groups which will feature a wide representation of stakeholders from across the education sector, with a complementary range of experience and knowledge.\nTo get involved in the development process, please visit our <a href=\"/home/qualified-for-the-future-wjec-is-ready-to-deliver/get-involved-join-our-advisory-group/\">Advisory Groups page</a> and find out all you need to know to have your say and help shape this new suite of qualifications."},{"accordionTitle":"When will these qualifications be available to teach?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"These new qualifications will be available to schools and colleges in Wales across three phases, the first group will be available for teaching from September 2025, the second for teaching from September 2026 and the third from September 2027."},{"accordionTitle":"What Advisory Groups have been established to support the development of these new qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We are committed to adopting a co-construction approach to the development of our qualifications, therefore, considering the views and opinions of a broad range of stakeholders is an integral part of this process. To support this approach, we have established the following advisory groups: Learner Advisory Group, Overall Stakeholder Advisory Group, Qualification Development Advisory Group (QDAG) and Headteacher Advisory Group.\nFurther information on these groups is available <a href=\"/home/qualifications-in-development/made-for-wales-wjec-is-ready-to-deliver/our-advisory-groups/\" title=\"Advisory Groups\" data-anchor=\"#\">here</a>."}]}

{"accordionId":"b5e32dac","accordionHeading":"14-16 National Qualifications","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What qualifications are available as part of the Full 14-16 Offer?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Qualifications Wales has launched the new Full 14-16 Offer which will be in place by September 2027. The Full 14-16 Offer qualifications includes a range of new qualifications including: Made-for-Wales GCSEs, VCSEs, Foundation Qualifications or a Skills Suite.\nFurther information on these qualifications is available via Qualifications Wales’ website <a href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/made-for-wales-gcses/\">here</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"What is the difference between GCSEs and VCSEs?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Alongside the new WJEC Made-for-Wales GCSEs, Qualifications Wales has also launched a new suite of qualifications named the Vocational Certificate of Secondary Education (VCSE). These qualifications will be introduced from September 2027 and will adopt a more practical approach to learning and assessment. Further information on these is available via Qualifications Wales’ website <a href=\"https://qualifications.wales/regulation-reform/reforming/qualified-for-the-future/the-full-14-16-offer/\">here</a>."}]}

{"accordionId":"1fa3b67b","accordionHeading":"Non-examination assessment","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What support will WJEC provide in the delivery of this additional Non-examination assessment (NEA)?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"As with all our qualifications, we will offer a comprehensive package of support including direct access to subject specialists, free professional learning to assist in the preparation and delivery of these qualifications and a raft of free digital resources. We will also offer advice and guidance in the delivery and marking of NEA, to assist teacher/lecturers in their assessments, alongside moderation to ensure standards are maintained.\nWe will ensure manageability, within the parameters of the Approval Criteria, which we have been discussing with stakeholders and will continue to do so as we develop the detail of the qualifications."},{"accordionTitle":"Why is there additional Non-examination assessment (NEA) for these new qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The proportion of NEA for each subject was determined by our regulator, Qualifications Wales, this decision was not made by us.\nQualifications Wales considered the proportion of non-examination assessment and its marking during their process of developing the Approval Criteria, and their final decisions are reflected in their published Approval Criteria which we must adhere to."}]}

{"accordionId":"823f78dc","accordionHeading":"Standards and awarding","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"With the introduction of the new Made-for-Wales qualifications, how will WJEC ensure that standards are maintained? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We anticipate that our approach to ensuring standards are maintained will be similar to our usual approach where our expert awarding committees use a combination of statistical evidence and examiner judgments, to ensure it is no easier to get a particular grade in one year compared to another. This approach seeks to maintain standards year on year within a subject, by adjusting grade boundaries to ensure that results reflect an equivalent level of attainment over time, with examiners reviewing and comparing samples of learner work supported by statistical evidence. We are working closely with Qualifications Wales to ensure that standards set of the new Made-for Wales qualifications are similar to those set in the existing qualifications.  "},{"accordionTitle":"How will WJEC ensure that learners are not unfairly disadvantaged with the introduction of these new qualifications? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW1909663 BCX0\">\nWe will follow our usual approach as set out by Qualifications Wales to ensure standards and outcomes of the new qualifications are similar to the existing qualifications for the first cohorts taking the new qualifications. As is the case with any new or reformed qualification, we will ensure that these learners are not disadvantaged should performance be lower than anticipated due to the unfamiliarity of the new specifications and assessments, by accounting for this when we award.  \n</div>\n<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW1909663 BCX0\">\nMore information about the approach to standards for Made-for-Wales GCSEs can be found in the Qualifications Wales website: \n</div>\n<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW1909663 BCX0\">\n<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https://qualificationswales.org/regulation-reform/regulating/approach-to-gcse-standards/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"Hyperlink SCXW1909663 BCX0\">Statement on the Approach to standards for Made-for-Wales GCSEs designed to support Curriculum for Wales | Qualifications Wales</a> \n</div>"}]}

{"accordionId":"2b8c2e66","accordionHeading":"Digital non-examination assessment (NEA) submission","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What platform will WJEC use to collect digital non-exam assessment (NEA) materials? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Based on feedback from a survey issued to all schools and colleges in Wales, we will be using our existing IAMIS (Internal Assessment Mark Input System) to manage the input of digital NEA materials.   "},{"accordionTitle":"What support/guidance will WJEC offer to school/college in the submission of digital NEA submissions? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We have a dedicated team who can support schools/colleges in the submission of digital NEA. In addition, we have comprehensive guides and video tutorials to support schools/colleges, which are <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"/home/administration/e-submission-upload/#tab_1\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"Hyperlink SCXW138424574 BCX0\">available here</a>. "}]}

{"accordionId":"be6d1b33","accordionHeading":"E-assessment/On-screen assessment","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What is e-assessment/on-screen assessment?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"E-assessment/on-screen assessment involves the use of ICT; allowing the completion and marking of examinations on-screen, removing the need for pen and paper. Certain subjects offered by us have on-screen assessment as an option, others are compulsory. Where e-assessment is an option, there is no difference in content between on-screen and paper versions. "},{"accordionTitle":"What Made-for-Wales subjects will be delivered through e-assessment? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"E-assessment will be offered for the following Made-for-Wales qualifications: \n<ul>\n<li>GCSE Computer Science (Units 1 & 2) </li>\n<li>GCSE Drama </li>\n<li>GCSE Food & Nutrition </li>\n<li>GCSE History </li>\n<li>GCSE Music </li>\n</ul>\nIn line with the Approval Criteria, e-assessment will be introduced for the following Made-for-Wales qualifications, the timing for this introduction will be confirmed: \n<ul>\n<li>GCSE Business </li>\n<li>GCSE Geography </li>\n<li>GCSE Religious Studies</li>\n</ul>\nWhat are the requirements for a school/college to deliver e-assessments? \nOur e-assessments are administered via the Surpass platform. The examinations are delivered through our free SecureClient software which should be installed on each PC at your school/college. Further information, including IT requirements are available on our e-Assessment webpages. "},{"accordionTitle":"Will learners have the opportunity to practice e-assessments? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"E-assessment sample assessment materials will be available on our Surpass platform, from December 2024. This will enable learners, and schools/colleges, to familiarise themselves with our on-screen assessments. In addition, past assessments will also be available following each examination series. "},{"accordionTitle":"Are e-assessments accessible to all learners? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Our e-assessments have been designed with learners’ accessibility in mind. All learners will be able to access our e-assessments without special arrangements. However, where accessible versions are required, our assessments are devised to work with a wide range of commonly used access technologies and access arrangements. "},{"accordionTitle":"What support/guidance will WJEC offer in the delivery of e-assessments? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We have over 15 years’ experience in the development and delivery of e-assessments for a variety of general and vocational qualifications. Our specialist e-assessment team offers free comprehensive support to enable schools/colleges to deliver these assessments with confidence"},{"accordionTitle":"How can I deliver e-assessment within my school/college? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"To deliver e-assessment with your school/college, please contact our E-assessment Team via <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"mailto:e-assessment@wjec.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\">e-assessment@wjec.co.uk</a>. "}]}

{"accordionId":"bdb6da97","accordionHeading":"Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs)","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"What are Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs)? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) demonstrate what an assessment may look like prior to there being any live assessment materials available. They are developed when we launch a new specification or when significant changes are introduced. "},{"accordionTitle":"What is the purpose of SAMs? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Before any live or past assessments are available in a new qualification, SAMs are produced to support teachers/lecturers and learners in understanding how content in the specification may be assessed. They provide sample questions and mark schemes that teachers/lecturers and learners can use in their assessment preparation. "},{"accordionTitle":"When will the new SAMs be published?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"To find out the publishing dates for Wave 1 or Wave 2 SAMs, please check the FAQ tabs above."},{"accordionTitle":"What are the key features of SAMs?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Sample Assessment Materials aim to provide learners and teachers/lecturers with examples of: \n<ul>\n<li>different question types that may be included in an assessment, </li>\n<li>how an assessment may look in terms of layout, including instructions to candidates, to support familiarisation with the question paper ahead of a live assessment. Live assessments won’t necessarily follow the exact same structure, but the SAMs will give a clear indication of the approach to assessing a particular unit, </li>\n<li>mark schemes containing indicative content that could be included in responses and banded mark grids showing how longer form questions will be marked. </li>\n</ul>"},{"accordionTitle":"How should SAMs be used? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We recommend that teachers/lecturers utilise the whole raft of support that will be available when delivering our qualifications, which includes our Specification, SAMs, Guidance for Teaching and resources.    Sample Assessment Materials can be used as part of teacher-directed activities or learner-directed activities. They can be used for examination practise once learning on a topic or unit has been completed. They can also be used as a guide for teachers or learners to create their own questions to evaluate learning and identify areas for improvement. It is really important to understand that the purpose of the SAMs is to illustrate what an assessment could look like in future examination series and therefore should be used once learning has been completed.  "},{"accordionTitle":"What support and guidance will WJEC provide in the use of SAMs? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"WJEC will provide a ‘SAMs walk-through’ blended learning module for teachers/lecturers and face-to-face training for each qualification which will include suggested teaching approaches and approaches to assessment. "},{"accordionTitle":"What is a SAMs walk-through and when will it be available? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The SAMs walk-through will be a pre-recorded presentation designed to support learners and teachers/lecturers to understand the structure of non-examination assessments and question papers. It will detail question types, assessment objectives and marking methods and will be available to access via WJEC’s Portal secure website in the summer term 2025. "},{"accordionTitle":"Who will be able to access the SAMs walk-throughs? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"As the SAMs walk-throughs will be initially published on the WJEC’s Portal secure website, they will be available to teachers/lecturers in the first instance. Teachers/lecturers will have the discretion to share these with their learners at the appropriate time. "},{"accordionTitle":"When are face-to-face Professional Learning (PL) events taking place?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"<div>\nFace-to-face Professional Learning (PL) events led by WJEC Subject Advisors and expert presenting teams will take place between 14th February 2025 and 7th April 2025. These events are designed to support teachers/lecturers to teach the new specification. There will be a focus on understanding the content and teaching methods based on the specification, assessments and assessment objectives, sample assessment materials and guidance for teaching.  \n</div>\n<div>\nThese days take place on clustered Local Education Authority (LEA) INSET days – there are 12 days in this series, including 2 Welsh medium days and 1 bilingual day. Registrations for the Pan Wales INSET days will be collected through your head of centre. No registrations will be available via our website.  \n</div>\n<div>\nFor further information on our PL programme to support delivery of the new Made-for-Wales qualifications, please visit <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"/home/professional-learning/made-for-wales-gcses-professional-learning/\" target=\"_blank\">Made-for-Wales GCSEs</a>.\n</div>"}]}

{"accordionId":"099f5c6f","accordionHeading":"Wave 1 Qualifications","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"When will the approved specifications be available?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Following a period of intense qualification development, we are delighted to announce that our specifications for the first wave of Made-for-Wales GCSEs and related qualifications have been approved by Qualifications Wales*. These specifications are available to teach from September 2025. The approved specifications are available to download <a href=\"/articles/first-wave-of-made-for-wales-qualifications-approved/\">from the following subject pages</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"When will the Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) be available? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) have been <a href=\"/articles/first-wave-of-made-for-wales-sample-assessment-materials-sams-now-available/\">published</a> for the first qualification Wave.\nThe SAMs have been published in line with Qualifications Wales' agreed timeline.<o:p></o:p>"},{"accordionTitle":"When will the Guidance for Teaching be available? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Guidance for Teaching (GfT) materials have been <a href=\"/articles/first-wave-of-made-for-wales-guidance-for-teacher-gft-now-available/\">published</a> for the first wave of Made-for-Wales qualifications. These resources complement the approved specifications and Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs), supporting educators preparing for first teaching from September 2025.<o:p></o:p>\nThe Guidance for Teaching for GCSE Religious Studies will follow in the coming weeks."},{"accordionTitle":"What digital resources will be available for the new Made-for-Wales qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"To support our centres in the delivery of our new Made-for-Wales qualifications, we are pleased to confirm that our Digital 福利看片一区s Team will produce a package of FREE bilingual resources for each subject. This will initially feature 280 packages , which consist of blended learning resources and knowledge organisers for the first group of qualifications which will be taught from September 2025.\nIn addition to our new package of resources, our existing suite of free digital resources are also available, which covers a range of subjects and topics which remain part of the new suite of Made-for-Wales qualifications.\nOur Digital 福利看片一区s Team will be working at pace to produce these new support materials. These will be published in phases beginning from late Autum 2024, and the full suite of bilingual resources will be available by June 2025.\n<a href=\"/articles/supporting-our-made-for-wales-qualifications-with-free-tailored-resources/\">> Find out more</a>"},{"accordionTitle":"What Professional Learning opportunities will be available for the new Made-for-Wales qualifications?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"In support of our new suite of Made-for-Wales GCSEs and related qualifications, we are pleased to announce <a href=\"/home/professional-learning/made-for-wales-gcses-professional-learning/\">our new schedule of free, professional learning opportunities</a>. These nationwide courses will be delivered by our Subject Advisers for the first raft of qualifications, where teaching will begin from September 2025."}]}

{"accordionId":"8853c4d9","accordionHeading":"Wave 2 Qualifications","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"When will the qualification outlines be available?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"<div class=\"SCXW67235835 BCX0\">\n<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW67235835 BCX0\">\nWe are pleased to have published our final qualification outlines for our wave 2 qualifications. These qualifications will be available for first teaching from September 2026. \n</div>\n<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW67235835 BCX0\">\nThe final qualification outlines are available for the following subjects, which can be accessed via your <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"/qualifications\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"Hyperlink SCXW67235835 BCX0\">subject page</a>: \n</div>\n<div class=\"OutlineElement Ltr SCXW67235835 BCX0\">\nGCSEs\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-dance-teaching-from-2026/\">Dance</a>    </li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-design-and-technology-teaching-from-2026/\">Design and Technology</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-digital-media-and-film-teaching-from-2026/\">Digital Media and Film</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-digital-technology-teaching-from-2026/\">Digital Technology</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-health-and-social-care-and-childcare-teaching-from-2026/\">Health and Social Care, and Childcare</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-integrated-science-single-award-teaching-from-2026/\">Integrated Science (Single Award)</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-physical-education-and-health-teaching-from-2026/\">Physical Education and Health</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-social-studies-teaching-from-2026/\">Social Studies</a></li>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/gcse-the-sciences-double-award-teaching-from-2026/\">The Sciences (Double Award)</a></li>\n</ul>\nNon-GCSE qualification\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"/qualifications/level-2-additional-mathematics-teaching-from-2026/\">Level 2 Additional Mathematics</a></li>\n</ul>\n</div>\n</div>"},{"accordionTitle":"When will the draft specifications be available?","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The draft specifications are available to view <a href=\"/articles/wave-2-draft-made-for-wales-specifications-now-available/\">here</a>, followed by the publication of the final specifications in September 2025."},{"accordionTitle":"When will the Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) be available? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The Sample Assessment Materials (SAMs) will be published in December 2025."},{"accordionTitle":"When will the Guidance for Teaching be available? ","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The Guidance for Teaching will be available in January 2026."}]}

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