We asked Sophie Russell, our Managing Director and Publisher, about how a book like WJEC GCSE English Language and Literature (Single and Double Award) is created and what goes into developing an entire series of student books for brand new specifications. Here’s what she had to say!
Q: How did Extend Education end up as the publisher for all the new Wave 1 WJEC GCSE subjects?
In educational publishing, you start researching curriculum changes years before they are due to be implemented. I was so excited to read the Wave 1 WJEC GCSE specifications when they came out. It was fascinating to see how the values and ambitions of Curriculum for Wales had been translated into qualifications that would ultimately shape the learning experiences of students. From very early on, I wanted to create books that could support students throughout their entire two years, that aligned with the Curriculum for Wales, and that provided the absolute best learning and revision materials possible. It was this passion, and an appetite for publishing for as many subjects as possible, that set us apart from other, larger publishers.
Q: What inspired the format of the new WJEC GCSE series?
Because we knew that schools were already going to be supported by some digital resources published by WJEC, we felt it was very important to concentrate on providing print books. I strongly believe there is a place for multiple formats in learning, each offering its own advantages. While online learning undoubtedly has value, print continues to stand out for me in terms of retention and deeper understanding – not to mention enabling sustained focus. There is something about engaging with a physical book that helps students process and embed knowledge more effectively.
That said, our series is far from traditional! The books are designed to function as coursebooks, revision guides and study companions all in one. We set out to create something colourful, practical and manageable to carry around(!), whilst also ensuring they feel relevant to today’s learners. At the same time, we were committed to providing the depth and support students need to truly succeed.
Q: What was it like working on the new WJEC GCSE English Language and Literature Study and Revision Guide in particular?
Few publishing projects have generated as much excitement for the publishing team – and our extremely talented authors Becky and Tori – as the new WJEC GCSE English Language and Literature student book! Bringing the ambitious specification to life was a huge undertaking because of the difference between how the qualification is structured on the one hand, and then how teachers actually teach and learners interact with the texts and learn the skills over the two years of their course.
Q: How is the English Language and Literature book organised?
We were initially going to structure the book by assessment unit to help with revision. However, we identified a huge risk of teaching skills in a fragmented way. So instead, we chose to organise the book around text types and skills that are transferable between units. This approach allows students to develop, practise and revisit the core skills that underpin success across the entire qualification. As well as this, we wanted the structure to reflect the integrated nature of the course. By bringing skills together within a coherent framework, students can strengthen their understanding, transfer knowledge between contexts and apply their learning with greater confidence as they work through the book.
Q: What are you most proud of in working on this book?
What I’m most proud of is that the team has created a genuinely flexible book that supports learners from first teaching right through to final revision. Every core skill is explicitly taught, practised and revisited throughout the book, while the emphasis remains firmly on developing deep, transferable skills that students can apply in a range of contexts (beyond their GCSE).
For me, however, this book is about more than attainment. At the heart of the series as a whole is a commitment to helping students discover the value and enjoyment of their GCSE subjects – even those who may not see themselves as enthusiastic learners! If we can help build confidence, curiosity and a genuine appreciation for the subject, then we’ve achieved something truly worthwhile.