Cwestiwn ysgrifenedig WQ96285

By reforming 14-16 qualifications in Wales, we’re seeking to raise educational standards. Nevertheless, there are requirements around comparability within the United Kingdom which Qualifications Wales (QW) have taken very seriously. At every step in the process QW has balanced the need for continuity and change in qualifications. This includes the need for the reformed qualifications to reflect the major changes brought about by Curriculum for Wales while, at the same time, recognising the importance qualifications at 16 represent for learners as they transition from compulsory education into the next stage in their journey and the associated need for these qualifications to have currency and portability beyond Wales.

Following a consultation, QW decided to retain the GCSE brand, which has currency and is well understood and respected both inside and outside of Wales. Although there are some differences in the detail of the content, structure and assessment methods used within GCSEs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the fact they are all GCSE means that divergence between the qualifications in the three countries is limited. QW work with the qualifications regulators in England (ofqual) and Northern Ireland (CCEA) on shared issues and ensure that, in broad terms, there are sufficient levels of comparability between GCSEs. Going forward, QW will be monitoring statistics on take up of the new national qualifications and progression into post 16 education and beyond. This will include commissioning evaluation research to help understand what drives changes in the use of qualifications and how this impacts on the intended benefits of the reforms.