Ctrl + Shift: updating GCSE Digital Technology
Nathan Evans, Qualifications Manager, troubleshoots the new digital technology GCSE ahead of first teaching in September 2026.
Digital technologies continue to shape many aspects of how we live, work and learn – and they’ll be integral to how many of today’s learners become enterprising and creative contributors of the future.
The new GCSE Digital Technology qualification builds on the version introduced in 2021. The relatively recent introduction of this GCSE means that it is already well aligned with expectations for what a qualification in this subject should offer, but the introduction of National Qualifications has provided an opportunity to enhance it and bring additional benefits to learners and centres.
In this post, we’re shining a light on the main changes you can expect to see when it is made available from September 2026, and how the new qualification more closely aligns with the Curriculum for Wales.
More manageable non-examination assessments
Non-examination assessment (NEA) plays an important role in GCSE Digital Technology, ensuring the qualification offers learners a strong focus on developing and demonstrating digital skills.
NEA tasks in the new GCSE will be assessed over two shorter periods than in the current qualification, with an overall reduction in NEA time of 30 hours. The assessments will still allow learners to develop a range of digital products and do so through user-centred design and by using iterative thinking. However, with a reduced assessment duration, there will be more time for learning and, crucially, the qualification will be more manageable for both teachers and learners.
Greater software flexibility
There is a plethora of digital software technologies which can be used to develop and design digital products. To support schools in using software which meets the needs of their learners, and makes best use of their available technologies, no set software is specified within the qualification. This means greater flexibility for centres, offering the potential for selecting software which could be most familiar and relevant to learners, or supports their progression into work or further learning.
Keeping pace with emerging technologies
A key update is the refinement to the subject content on emerging and evolving digital technologies. Unit 1 has been updated so that the qualification best reflects how quickly the digital world is changing and highlights the value of learners understanding the devices, services and ideas shaping that change.
Learners explore topics such as artificial intelligence models, data-driven platforms and connected systems, not just as concepts, but as real-world technologies with social, economic and ethical dimensions. These additions give learners the chance to think critically about innovation and its role in society.
By embedding this content, the qualification ensures digital technology is taught as it is experienced today: dynamically, interconnected and constantly evolving.
Support for teachers
To help centres prepare for first teaching, WJEC will provide a suite of bilingual digital resources and professional learning opportunities. These will support effective delivery with the aim of helping teachers feel confident in guiding learners through this exciting new qualification - whatever their background.
You can keep up to date with available training and resources via WJEC’s website.