Dance, Digital Media and Film, and Social Studies: the new GCSEs now being taught in Wales

All new GCSEs developed as part of the National Qualifications suite are now being taught in schools, marking a significant milestone in Wales’ education reform journey, says Kerry Jones, Senior Qualifications Manager.

This September, every new GCSE developed as part of the National Qualifications suite are available for teaching in schools across Wales for the very first time. It's a moment worth celebrating, and one that has been years in the making.

Since September 2025, learners have been studying the first wave of made-for-Wales GCSEs, in subjects such as Computer Science, Cymraeg, English, and Geography, among others. Now, a second set of reformed GCSEs joins them in the classroom, including three brand new subjects that haven’t existed as standalone GCSEs in Wales before. 

Building towards this moment

Our work to reform the qualifications on offer to 14 to 16-year-olds in Wales began back in 2019. Numerous public consultations, engagement activities and research papers have led us to this moment, with views and insights from stakeholders across the sector informing the GCSEs now being taught in schools.  

This scale of change wouldn't be possible without the commitment and professionalism shown by heads, teachers and support staff. We continue to listen closely to feedback from all stakeholders, including teachers and learners, to ensure the new qualifications support young people in Wales as they prepare for life, further learning and work.  

Introducing three brand new subjects

Alongside established subjects that have been updated to meet the needs of the Curriculum for Wales, three entirely new GCSEs are now being taught for the first time.

GCSE Dance

This new qualification recognises dance as a distinct and valuable discipline.

Learners will explore choreography, performance, and critical appreciation of dance works, developing both physical skill and creative expression. Teachers can expect a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning, with learners building confidence in performing and creating original work, as well as developing their ability to analyse and discuss dance from a range of styles and traditions.

GCSE Digital Media and Film

This qualification reflects the growing importance of digital creativity and storytelling in today's world.

Learners will develop practical skills in areas such as filmmaking, digital content creation, and media production, alongside a critical understanding of how media shapes and reflects society. Teachers can expect learners to engage in genuinely creative, project-based work, using industry-relevant tools and building skills that are increasingly in demand across a wide range of careers.

GCSE Social Studies

Social Studies gives learners the chance to explore the society they live in, examining topics such as identity, rights and responsibilities, equality and inequality, and the influence of governments in Wales and beyond.  

This qualification is designed to help learners understand social change, citizenship and their own role within a diverse society. Learners will also explore their cynefin through the actions of Welsh changemakers, including anti-apartheid campaigner Hanef Bhamjee, environmentalist Alex Griffiths, and Welsh language campaigners Eileen and Trefor Beasley.

You can read more about these new qualifications in our subject-specific blogs which consider what teachers and learners can expect to see from the new GCSEs in more detail: 

• GCSE Dance
• GCSE Digital Media and Film
• GCSE Social Studies

What this means for schools

Schools now have full access to a set of relevant and up-to-date GCSEs in order to build a curriculum that meets the needs, interests, aptitudes and aspirations of their individual learners.

The new GCSEs have been designed to give learners assessments that reflect the teaching and learning they have experienced  throughout secondary school under the Curriculum for Wales. The purpose, aims, content and experiences of each qualification support the Welsh Government’s 14 to 16 learner entitlement, offering breadth, coherence, and a stronger connection between classroom experience and how that learning is recognised and rewarded.

They offer a variety of assessment methods, catering to different learning styles and ensuring a fairer evaluation of learners’ abilities. They also make the best use of digital technology wherever possible in order to prepare learners for the digital world and enhance their employability.

Ultimately, these new qualifications will help schools provide an educational environment that is dynamic, inclusive and inspiring for all learners. 

Looking ahead

While this milestone represents the completion of the new GCSE rollout, our journey towards a fully transformed qualifications system for 14 to 16-year-olds continues.

September 2027 will see learners begin studying the new VCSE, Foundation and Skills Suite qualifications for the first time. Schools can expect to see awarding bodies publishing their approved specifications for these new qualifications in the coming weeks.  

Together, the National Qualifications will help learners in Wales get qualified for the future.