PUPILS and teachers in Wales could see changes to the new GCSE English Language and Literature qualification after WJEC admitted “significant adjustments” may be needed only months after the course began being taught.

The qualification, introduced for Year 10 pupils in September 2025 as part of the new Curriculum for Wales, combines English language and literature into a single or double award.

WJEC said it had received concerns from schools about teacher workload and the manageability of delivering the new course.

The exam board is now consulting on possible changes, including the removal of some assessments from units. This could include changes to oracy assessments, which currently form a significant part of the qualification.

If approved, the changes would apply to Year 10 pupils starting the course in September 2026. They would not apply to pupils who began the qualification in September 2025, because some have already completed work and WJEC says grades must remain comparable within the same cohort.

Other changes already due from September 2026 include dropping the requirement for mandatory video evidence of oracy assessments, allowing either audio or video evidence instead.

WJEC also plans to clarify that a teacher may take part in group discussions where there are attendance issues or special requirements.

The Welsh Conservatives said the situation raised wider questions about the roll-out of the new curriculum.

Sam Rowlands MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, said: “Only months after this qualification started being taught, WJEC is already saying significant adjustments are needed. That should set alarm bells ringing across the Welsh education system.

“Teachers and pupils warned that too many assessments across the school year were adding pressure and creating burnout. They deserved to be listened to before this was rolled out, not after pupils had already started the course.

“If significant changes are already being considered only months after this qualification began being taught, then serious questions need to be asked about the Welsh curriculum. Teachers and pupils deserve a curriculum that is manageable and focused on raising standards.”

However, WJEC says the review is a response to feedback from schools and is intended to make the qualification more workable.

The new GCSE was designed to support the Curriculum for Wales by combining language and literature skills, encouraging pupils to study texts, spoken language, writing, context, culture and communication in a more integrated way.

Supporters of the reforms argue that a more joined-up approach better reflects how pupils use language in real life, and gives greater weight to speaking and listening as well as written exams.

But critics say the volume of assessment has placed extra pressure on teachers and pupils, particularly because several units involve non-exam assessment marked by schools and moderated by WJEC.

The consultation closes on June 19, with WJEC expected to confirm any agreed changes before the end of the summer term.

A MULTI-agency search at Cefn Sidan beach has been stood down after police said officers were satisfied there was no risk of harm or danger.

Dyfed-Powys Police received a call at around 9:50pm on Monday (June 8) reporting two people dressed in dark clothing waving a torch near the water’s edge at Pembrey.

Police and partner agencies searched the beach and nearby area overnight, but no one was found.

In an update issued on Tuesday (June 9), the force said the information had been reviewed and officers were satisfied that there was no danger, although the original call had been made with good intent.

No further calls of concern have been received, and no missing persons have been reported in the area.

Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We always take reports of this nature seriously and we want to thank the public for their vigilance. Thank you to our partners for their assistance overnight.”

Picture: File photo

RURAL TRANSPORT CONCERNS RAISED WITH TFW

CLAIRE ARCHIBALD MS has secured a review of train times between Milford Haven and Haverfordwest after raising concerns about rural transport links with Transport for Wales.

The Reform UK Member of the Senedd for Ceredigion Penfro met senior TfW representatives to discuss public transport across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, including the impact poor services can have on workers, families, patients and rural communities.

Ms Archibald said public transport must be treated as a key part of any discussion about rural healthcare, employment and access to services.

During the meeting, she raised wider concerns about healthcare access across west Wales. She said she does not support rural communities losing local health services, but warned that any proposal requiring patients, relatives or carers to travel further must properly consider whether public transport is available and practical.

People travelling between Aberystwyth and south west Wales can currently face journeys of around three hours each way by bus, making it difficult for families visiting loved ones in hospital or attending important appointments.

Ms Archibald said: “Rural communities cannot be treated as an afterthought. If services are moved further away, then the question has to be asked: how are patients, families and carers actually meant to get there?

“I do not support the loss of local health services in rural Wales. But where any proposals could mean people travelling further, public transport must be part of the decision from the very beginning. It is not good enough to centralise services and then leave families facing impossible journeys.

“For many people in Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, a three-hour bus journey each way is simply not realistic. These are not abstract policy issues. They affect people trying to visit relatives in hospital, get to work, reach appointments and live their daily lives.”

Ms Archibald also raised concerns about the Milford Haven to Haverfordwest train service, where the current timetable is not suitable for many working people.

The morning train arrives in Haverfordwest too late for those who need to be at work by 9:00am, while return options around the end of the working day are also impractical for many commuters.

Reform UK councillor Scott Thorley had previously raised the issue with Transport for Wales, highlighting the number of people travelling into Haverfordwest for work and the pressure this places on already busy roads.

Following the meeting, TfW agreed to review the Milford Haven to Haverfordwest timetable, with a view to making the service more practical for workers and helping to reduce congestion in Haverfordwest.

Ms Archibald added: “This is exactly the kind of practical issue that matters to people locally. A train service is only useful if the timetable works for real life.

“People in Milford Haven and the surrounding area should be able to use the train to get to work in Haverfordwest. If the timing means they still have to drive, then the service is not doing what it needs to do.

“I am pleased Transport for Wales has agreed to review the timetable, and I will be following this closely. Rural transport needs to work for working people, not just look acceptable on paper.”

Transport for Wales also confirmed that the new Class 197 fleet for the Aberystwyth to Shrewsbury Cambrian Line is scheduled for September or October.

Ms Archibald said she would continue working with TfW to push for better transport links across Ceredigion Penfro.

She said: “Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion need transport links that reflect the reality of rural life. Whether it is getting to work, reaching hospital, visiting family or accessing essential services, people need reliable and practical options.

“I will continue to raise these issues and work with Transport for Wales to ensure Ceredigion Penfro has suitable transport.”