Change making: the new Social Studies GCSE explained
Qualifications Manager, Kate Russell, reviews the new social studies GCSE which will be coming to schools and colleges from September 2026.
Learners today are living through a period of remarkable change, with opportunities and challenges unlike any previous generation has faced. As they navigate a rapidly shifting social, cultural, technological, political and economic landscape, GCSE Social Studies will allow young people to be able to develop a greater understanding of the world, and develop an understanding of how to become ethical, informed and responsible citizens of Wales.
Meeting the aims of the curriculum
Social Studies is one of the five subjects within the humanities area of learning and experience in the Curriculum for Wales.
The brand-new GCSE Social Studies qualification embodies the vision of the curriculum and is underpinned by the four purposes which aim for learners to become:
- ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives
- enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work
- ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world
- healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society
Central to the design of this qualification are the subject’s specific skills and concepts as outlined in the ‘designing your curriculum’ section of the humanities area of learning and experience.
Context, cynefin and collective action
Social Studies is a qualification for learners curious about people, how society works and the world around them. It will help learners’ understanding of our current social landscape, while also preparing them for future social change.
Learners will be able to understand their own agency and consider how to actively participate and engage in social action. They will have an exciting opportunity to appreciate the complex, pluralistic and diverse nature of society by understanding identity, rights and responsibilities, equality and inequality, while reflecting on the influence of governments within Wales and beyond. Learners will have a clear opportunity to engage with politics and think critically.
Learners will also explore their cynefin by considering the actions and impacts of social changemakers from Wales, including:
- Hanef Bhamjee, anti-apartheid campaigner
- Alex Griffiths, environmentalist
- Eileen and Trefor Beasley, Welsh language campaigners
NEA in the new qualification
Alongside other humanities GCSEs, the new social studies qualification will include two non-examination assessments (NEA). NEA will contribute 40% of the overall grade.
The NEA units provide a unique and engaging opportunity for learners to use techniques to explore real-world social issues. Learners will use a range of research methods, assess the credibility of a variety of evidence sources and viewpoints, and be empowered to draw conclusions from qualitative and quantitative data. Learners will have an understanding of methods for conducting analysis into the effectiveness of social action.
GCSE Social Studies takes a multi-disciplinary approach to exploring the humanities and will provide a broad foundation for progression to a range of post-16 qualifications, including government and politics, law, psychology and sociology.
Supporting centres through change
There is a wide range of support available to teachers as they prepare to deliver the new social studies GCSE from September 2026.
WJEC has begun rolling out a programme of professional learning and resources to support the delivery of this qualification, including:
- a specification walk-through
- live, online specification briefing
- face-to-face ‘Preparing to Teach’ events
- assessment walk-throughs
Further information can be found on WJEC's website.