14-16 at Caerleon Comprehensive School presentation to parents/carers January 2026

Curriculum for Wales at Caerleon Comprehensive School

Scope of presentation:

  • 14-16 qualifications
  • Core and compulsory subjects
  • Science options
  • Process of choosing and submitting options
  • Option subjects (free choice)
  • Support - website, individual

Curriculum for Wales

New 'Made for Wales' GCSEs - what does this mean?

  • Refreshed course content to support the curriculum's cross-curricular themes and its four purposes
  • Incorporate a broader range of assessment methods to make the qualifications relevant and engaging
  • greater use of digital technology to provide relevant assessment and to support teaching and learning

Similarities with old GCSEs - grading/exams/coursework

Wave 1 qualifications became available from September 2025. Wave 2 from September 2026.

These are the 'Made for Wales' GCSE available from September 2026. (We don't offer every qualification such as Spanish)

Core Subjects

All learners 14-16 will follow a course in the following:

English Language and Literature (double award)

Mathematics and Numeracy (double award)

Science - choice of double award or three separate sciences

Compulsory Subjects

All learners 14 -16 will follow a course in the following:

Welsh

RVE - Religion, Values and Ethics (RS and Equality and Diversity

Physical Education

Finance qualification

Science

Two options:

The sciences - double award: All three sciences covered as part of the course. 10 hours each fortnight. Qualification size is 2 GCSEs

This leaves a further three option subjects to select

Three separate sciences: GCSE in biology; GCSE in chemistry and a GCSE in Physics. 15 hours each fortnight

This leaves a further two option subjects to select

How do you choose option subjects?

  • Have a genuine interest and enjoy the subject
  • Have an aptitude for the subject area
  • Already have a track-record of success in the subject
  • Complements other subject choices or interests
  • Has a bearing on post-16 choices
  • Is linked to a possible future career

Support for learners

  • Parents, carers, relatives and friends
  • Subject teachers
  • Head of year - Miss Gibbs
  • AHT - Mr Evans; Lead teacher - Ms Edmondson; HLTA - Mrs Marchant
  • Learners currently studying the subject
  • Careers Adviser - David Jones
  • Those currently in relevant jobs or careers
  • Online
  • Personal counselling
  • Equity and support for our learners

Example option form that will be used to submit your choices to Mr Jones

(These forms will be available on the 14 - 16 options website week beginning 9 March 2026)

14-16 Options Website

The 14 - 16 options website will be launched learners and parents/carers in February 2026

Key dates 2026

  • Options Evening - 13 January 2026
  • Year 9 Parents' Evening - 21 January 2026 (options focus?)
  • Careers Fair - 19 March 2026
  • Target date for options form - Monday 23 March 2026

And finally...

  • Can I change my mind after the option forms have been submitted?
  • Can I change my mind in September 2026?

Credits:

GLJ Caerleon CS January 2026