WJEC GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare
The new WJEC GCSE Health and Social Care, and Childcare specification for first teaching from September 2026 is a reformed, single-award qualification designed for the Curriculum for Wales. It focuses on integrating health, social care, and childcare, covering development across the lifespan, mental health, and sector-specific, evidence-based practices. Key Features of the 2026 Specification
- Structure: One unified GCSE, comprising 40% examination and 60% non-examination assessment (NEA).
- Unit 1 (Exam): Covers core knowledge of health and social care, and childcare in Wales.
- Unit 2 (NEA - Adult): Focuses on adult care, including individual needs, key conditions, and public health.
- Unit 3 (NEA - Child): Focuses on childcare, including childhood development and health.
- Assessment: The qualification is untiered, with final assessment through exams and coursework.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, understanding social influences, and preparing learners for careers in the sector
A link to the WJEC specification for this qualification can be found below: