Education is changing

About the national curriculum

The national curriculum was first introduced in 1988 before on-line shopping, Google and the Cloud. Now, the world of work is different, technology is different, society is constantly changing.

Our Curriculum for Wales has been designed to support young people develop the skills they need to make the most of life.

It will equip them with high standards of literacy and numeracy, and prepare them to become more digitally and bilingually competent, and to be confident, capable and compassionate citizens – citizens of Wales and citizens of the world.

Our curriculum, is made in Wales by teachers, partners, practitioners, and the wider community , shaped by the best ideas from around the world.

Assessment is part of each child’s learning every day and they’ll work with their teachers to understand how well they’re doing. 

The new curriculum is being rolled out gradually, so by 2026 all learners will be taught under the Curriculum for Wales.

A guide to the new Curriculum for Wales

These guides explain the new curriculum in a straightforward way.

Schools will progress with designing their curriculum based on the suite of curriculum guidance.

What could this look like in schools?

The teachers, pupils and parents of Ysgol Bro Edern tell us about their experiences of developing the curriculum in their school.

What do School Governors think?

A Parent Governor, pupils and parents talk about the changes at Pembroke Dock Community School.

Will there be changes to the school year?

The Welsh Government is taking forward its manifesto commitment to review the school year, through a national conversation, with opportunities for parents, learners , education staff, private and public sector workers and employers to give their views.

Will the way children learn change?

Curriculum will no longer be organised by Key Stages. The principles of the Foundation Phase, now known as Foundation Learning, remain and become part of one seamless curriculum for children aged 3 to 16, providing more joined-up learning.

Expectations are framed broadly so that they can sustain learning over a series of years. While the learning continuum is the same for each learner, the pace of progress through it will differ. As a result, the progression steps can only broadly correspond to expectations at ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16.

Will traditional subjects still be taught?

Curriculum for Wales groups subjects into six areas of learning and experience. Specific subjects will still be taught, but schools can decide to bring them together so learners understand the connections between them. In the Humanities Area, for example, a topic like climate change can be looked at holistically through geography, history and impact on society. Literacy, numeracy and digital competence will be taught and applied across the curriculum and to all throughout their education.

The six areas of learning and experience are:

  • Expressive Arts
  • Health and Well-being
  • Humanities
  • Languages, Literacy and Communication
  • Mathematics and Numeracy
  • Science and Technology

The Framework guidance has more information about each of the Areas of Learning and Experience.

What will happen with assessment?

Assessment will continue to take place on a day to day basis to assess each individual’s progress, agree next steps and monitor progress over time. It will not be used to make a one-off judgement at a set age or point in time.

Will children still study for GCSEs?

GCSEs will still exist but the qualifications your child studies from 14-16 will fit with the Curriculum for Wales, so may look different from today’s GCSEs.

Advice and support will be given to learners choosing their options as they prepare for their future careers.

Qualifications Wales is the independent regulator of non-degree qualifications in Wales. More information about qualifications can be found on their website. 

Careers Wales provides information and advice about careers.

What’s changing with Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)?

A new code makes it clear what should be taught within RSE. It will include learning about healthy relationships, keeping safe including online, and being confident to raise issues with responsible adults. Teaching will be age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate, gradually building learners’ knowledge, skills and ethical values.

Faith groups and others representing children’s interests have helped teaching professionals to develop the code.  All RSE resources on Hwb are reviewed regularly to ensure they also align to the RSE Code. 

For more information Repository - Hwb (gov.wales)