A bold new chapter for GCSE English Language and Literature
Sarah Watson, Qualifications Manager, examines the key changes made to the new GCSE in English Language and Literature, and what they mean for learners and their teachers.
From September 2025, learners in Wales will embark on a new chapter in their study of English language and literature within the languages, literacy and communication area of learning and experience. These changes are part of a move to align GCSE qualifications to the Curriculum for Wales, and to move away from traditional distinctions between English language and English literature.
What has changed in the new English language and literature GCSE?
There have been some significant changes to the GCSE to reflect the aims of this area of learning and experience. Some are structural, while others relate to content and assessment. These changes have been brought about in response to consultation feedback and wide collaboration with stakeholders.
An integrated approach
This area of learning and experience encourages interconnected learning with a focus on the transferability of skills and knowledge across different languages and contexts. This is made clear in the expectation that the ‘statements of what matters’ should be treated holistically. To align with this expectation, and to enable all learners to engage with all four statements holistically until the age of 16, we are replacing the existing English language and English literature GCSEs with an integrated English language and literature GCSE.
The new WJEC GCSE English Language and Literature qualification supports these aims by integrating language and literature in authentic and meaningful ways.
By integrating language and literature, literature can become more accessible to a broader range of learners. Learning about and through literature will contribute to learning about language, thereby enriching learner experience and promoting creativity.
This model aims to offer amore cohesive, engaging, and meaningful learning experience, where learners explore the power of language through rich literary texts and real-world contexts. Learners will not only develop their vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills, but also become critical thinkers and articulate communicators, able to express themselves with clarity and confidence.
The course is organised into six thematic units, which invite learners to explore real-world issues through developing their linguistic and literary skills simultaneously. This structure promotes deep, reflective learning and provides a clear framework for teaching and assessment, supporting progression through the course.
Ambitious and inclusive pathways
The new GCSE is available as both a double and single award.
In line with Welsh Government’s expectations, the double award has been designed as an ambitious and suitable course of study for the majority of learners, while the single award offers an alternative, more accessible route for learners who may benefit from focusing on a smaller volume of content over the duration of the course. However, both awards include content which is of the same level of demand and which supports progression to further study in this subject.
To support teaching and learning, the qualifications have been designed to have a ‘partially nested’ structure, meaning that there are common units between the single and double award. This approach ensures that learners have time to develop their skills and knowledge before decisions are made on the pathway which is best for them.
A broad, inclusive and inspiring curriculum
The new qualification celebrates inclusion, diversity and representation, featuring a wide range of literary voices from Wales and beyond. As part of the teaching and learning that supports assessment, learners will have the opportunity to engage with literary and non-literary texts that reflect different cultures, identities, and lived experiences, helping them become more empathetic, informed, and culturally aware.
To support these aims, the content of the current GCSE English Literature has been updated to enable learners to engage with contemporary works. The qualification retains an appropriate focus on literary heritage, enabling learners to gain insights into the culture, people, and history of Wales, as well as the wider world.
The introduction of a non-fiction anthology encourages learners to think critically, confidently and ethically about a range of themes and issues of pressing importance in the world today.
Flexibility and choice
GCSE English Language and Literature has been designed to support teachers to make decisions that best support their local curricula and the needs of their learners. Teachers will be able to choose appropriate texts for their learners from a comprehensive range of texts set by the awarding body.
GCSE English Language and Literature is a unitised, untiered qualification with both external examinations and non-examination assessments. This is intended to support a valid and engaging learning and assessment experience for all learners. It also supports progression over time, with flexible assessment across the course to support learner engagement and wellbeing.
Supporting skills development
The new qualification places a higher emphasis on oracy and communication skills. This is to reflect what employers and higher education providers have told us that learners need. The qualification also focuses on fostering independent working and research skills, providing a strong foundation for those wishing to progress to the range of AS and A levels available in English language and literature.
Supporting centres through change
To ensure a smooth transition, WJEC has already delivered face-to-face and online professional learning opportunities to support delivery of the new specification. WJEC is also releasing a comprehensive suite of bilingual digital resources this summer.
Teachers can catch up on the latest updates through the GCSE English specification briefing here.