Welsh
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.
Why study Welsh?
The demand from employers for staff who can use Welsh in the workplace is growing, and there is an urgent need for such skills. Public sector organisations in Wales are legally required to provide services in both Welsh and English. Future career opportunities include fields such as education and academia, media and journalism, local and national government, business, tourism, and leisure, among others.
What skills do you develop?
- Bilingual communication
- Cultural understanding
- Translation
- Writing in both Welsh & English
- Oral skills
- Sensitivity to language and culture
What careers can you pursue?
- Teaching (especially in Wales)
- Media/Journalism in Welsh
- Public sector roles in Wales (government, local authorities)
- Tourism
- Translation
- Cultural heritage
- Law or health roles where Welsh is an advantage
AS & A level components
-
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
Subject FAQ’s
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?
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
