The Welsh Government is set to roll out a new curriculum for students in years 10 and 11 beginning September 2025. This curriculum is a critical part of the broader educational reforms designed to provide a more purpose-driven education system. The aim is to create well-rounded, informed citizens, confident individuals, and future contributors to society, well-equipped for lifelong learning.
New Curriculum Overview
Purpose-Driven Educational Reforms
The Curriculum for Wales is crafted to extend beyond exam preparation. The main goal is to ensure students acquire comprehensive knowledge and essential skills for personal development and future success. This includes academic qualifications, as well as skills necessary for transitioning to further education, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.
In years 10 and 11, students start taking significant qualifications that will influence their future career paths and life choices. The focus of the new curriculum is to support these crucial years with a variety of GCSE, vocational, and skills-based qualifications. Each student’s educational journey will be tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.
Statutory Guidance and Learner Entitlement
To support this transition, statutory guidance on teaching and learning for 14-to-16-year-olds under the Curriculum for Wales framework has been published. This guidance encompasses legal requirements for schools and outlines a national approach to education for these year groups, called Learner Entitlement.
The Learner Entitlement ensures that all students benefit from an extensive curriculum drawing from the National 14 to 16 Qualifications offer, developed by Qualifications Wales. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and the sciences with “stretching and ambitious” qualifications. These are designed to prepare students not only for exams but for life beyond school.
Support and Training for Educators
Preparation for Teachers and Schools
To aid schools and teachers in implementing the new curriculum, a support package is set to be released during the autumn term. This package aligns with the publication of WJEC’s new made-for-Wales GCSE specifications. Between February and April 2025, WJEC plans to deliver targeted training to clusters of schools to ensure that educators are well-prepared to teach these new specifications.
Additionally, professional learning support is being developed for senior leaders in schools. This includes already available resources on curriculum design, progression, and assessment. The objective is to ensure robust support at all levels, from classroom teachers to senior leadership, for effective curriculum delivery.
Enhancing Professional Learning
The rollout also includes professional learning designed to complement the targeted training for teachers. Schools will also receive tools for self-evaluation, aiding them in reflecting upon the learning, progress, and achievements of their students. This process is essential for planning further curriculum improvements and ensuring that the educational offer continually evolves to meet the needs of all learners.
In addition to the specific training for the new curriculum, there will be ongoing support available to help educators adapt to the changes. This includes online resources, in-person workshops, and collaborative learning opportunities within school clusters.
Curriculum Implementation and Evaluation
Role of Estyn in Curriculum Oversight
Starting from September 2025, the new policy and its requirements will guide Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, in inspecting secondary schools. This will ensure that the expectations for quality education are consistently met and maintained across all secondary schools in Wales.
Continuous Improvement
The Welsh Government is preparing to launch a new curriculum for students in grades 10 and 11 starting September 2025. This significant shift is part of comprehensive educational reforms aimed at creating a more purpose-driven education framework. The overarching goal is to cultivate well-rounded, knowledgeable citizens who are confident, capable individuals ready to contribute meaningfully to society. These reforms aim to prepare students for lifelong learning and adaptability, equipping them with the skills needed for future success. The new curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and practical knowledge, bridging the gap between academic studies and real-world applications.
By focusing on these elements, the Welsh Government seeks to ensure that students are not only academically proficient but also prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. This initiative underscores the importance of an education system that is dynamically responsive to the evolving needs of society and the global economy, fostering an environment where every student can thrive and succeed.
