Welsh

Learn more about Welsh

• Why study this subject?
• Which examination board?
• Does the AS count towards the A Level or is it a standalone qualification?
• How will you be assessed?
• What is the outline content over 2 years?

Why study this subject?

Being able to speak any language is useful, but being bilingual gives you the best of both worlds and an opportunity to explore different cultures in English and Welsh. The demand from employers is also growing and there is an urgent need for staff who can use Welsh in the workplace. Public sector organisations in Wales are legally bound to provide services in Welsh and English. Future careers could include education and academia, media and journalism, local and national government, business, tourism and leisure to name but a few.

Which Examination Board?

WJEC

Does the AS count towards the A Level or is it a standalone qualification?

The AS qualification does count towards the full A Level and is worth 40%.

How will you be assessed?

At AS Level one written examination paper of 2 hours, an Oral Examination, plus non examined assessment. Students will sit the AS Level examination at the end of Year 12.

At A Level, two written examination papers of 2 hours and an Oral Examination. Students will sit the A Level examination at the end of Year 13.

What is the outline content over 2 years?

AS: 3 Units            

• Unit 1 (15%) Oral Examination
• Unit 2 (10%) Coursework
• Unit 3 (15%) Written Paper

A2: 3 Units

• Unit 4 (25%) Oral Examination
• Unit 5 (15%) Written Paper
• Unit 6 (20%) written Paper

Year 12 – AS Level

Unit 1

Oral Examination: Film and Oracy (15% of the Qualification)

• Section A: 20 minutes per group (Discussing a film, Patagonia)
• Section B: 5 minutes per candidate (Personal response)

Unit 2

Non-examined Assessment (10% of the qualification)

• 3 extended pieces of writing. A maximum of 1500-2000 words

Unit 3

Written Paper: 2 hours

The Use of Language and Poetry (15% of the qualification)

• Section A: A composite question which includes different types of linguistic exercises.
• Section B: 3 structured questions on the five set poems

• Year 13 – A Level (the above and other additional units)

Unit 4

Oral Examination: Drama and Oracy (25% of the qualification)

• Section A: 30 minutes per group – Living through the medium of Welsh
• Section B: 5 minutes per candidate – Discussing a play, Crash by Sara Moore Williams
• Section C: Personal Response
• Synoptic Assessment

Unit 5

Written Paper: 2 hours

The Welsh language in Society and Translanguaging (15% of the qualification)

• Section A: The Welsh language in society
• Section B: Translanguaging – a written response in Welsh to an English-language article

Unit 6

Written Paper: 2 Hours

The Use of Language and the Short Story (20% of the qualification)

• Section A: a composite question which includes different types of linguistic exercises.
• Section B: 2 questions based on one of the four short stories and one synoptic question which brings together the information, understanding and skills developed in the subject.
• Synoptic assessment