The new GCSEs taken in Wales this year
Pupils and schools are awaiting their GCSE results in the first test of 15 reformed Wales-only exams, with less assessment and coursework than previously. Education editor Abbie Wightwick looks at the changes – and what this year’s entry patterns might me
The 15 GCSE subjects from the WJEC, reformed for first teaching in Wales in September 2016 and examined for the first time this summer, are: biology, chemistry, physics, applied science (single award), applied science (double award), science (double award), geography, French, German, Spanish, music, PE, food and nutrition, art and design, and drama.
Weren’t there new GCSEs last summer?
Yes. Six new GCSEs, taught from September 2015 in Wales, were examined for the first time in 2017. They were: English language, English literature, mathematics, mathematics numeracy, Welsh language and Welsh literature.
How are the reformed GCSEs different then?
Results rely more on the exam paper than coursework and assessment. Content for all was updated, with assessment and coursework kept to a minimum and used only where essential to assess practical skills that can’t be tested in an exam.
How do Wales’ new GCSEs compare with England’s GCSEs?
GCSEs were reformed across the border in England and in Northern Ireland at the same time as Wales introduced its reforms.
Regulators in all three countries say they have worked together to ensure they are comparable and of equal value.
“A GCSE is still a GCSE whether it’s taken in Wales, England or Northern Ireland,” said Qualifications Wales.
“They are the same size, they are taken by students of the same ability and assess the same, or very similar, content in each subject area.”
However, private schools in Wales put pupils through England’s GCSEs, saying some parents have more confidence in them and that market forces mean they have to be in line with English private schools. Several do also take some WJEC Wales’ reformed GCSEs such as history and Welsh.
What about different grading in Wales and England?
Wales has retained grades A* to G while England introduced grades 9 to 1 for some subjects, which it is extending to all this year.
Some commentators and headteachers claim a 9 is the equivalent of an A**, but Qualifications Wales insists this is not so.
“It is not true to say that grade 9 in England is harder than A* as it rewards students of the same ability,” the regulator said. “Grades A and A* in Wales cover the same attainment as the new grades 7, 8 and 9 in England. There is no such thing as an A**.”
So can we compare Wales’ GCSE results with England’s?
Yes and no. But people are bound to anyway.
On the surface it may appear that the new grading scale makes it harder to compare the new GCSEs designed for Wales and England, but as the regulator points out, there are two “anchor points” which link the new scale to the old one – the bottom of a grade C anchors to the bottom of England’s grade 4, while the bottom of a grade A anchors to England’s 7
But different approaches to early entry for students in some GCSE subjects mean there is a difference in the number, mix and age of candidates each year. This could make a significant difference on results day.
Qualifications Wales cautions: “Care [therefore] needs to be taken when attempting to make comparisons between results in Wales year on year as well as direct comparisons between Wales and England.”
Sounds confusing!