GCSE Core Cymraeg (WJEC – Wales)
Teaching from: September 2025
First award: Summer 2027
Exam board: WJEC (Made for Wales)
GCSE Core Cymraeg helps students develop the ability to use Welsh confidently and practically in everyday situations. The course focuses on communication, understanding and expression, enabling learners to use Cymraeg socially, in education and in the workplace.
It is designed mainly for students educated through English‑medium or bilingual provision, and builds on Welsh language learning from Key Stage 3.
Course Overview
GCSE Core Cymraeg is a two‑year, linear qualification studied in Years 10 and 11. It is untiered, meaning all learners can access the full range of GCSE grades.
The course develops skills in:
- Speaking and listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Translation and language awareness
Learning is organised around three broad themes:
- Cynefin (belonging and place)
- Identity
- Culture
Assessment Structure
The qualification is made up of four equally weighted units, each worth 25% of the final grade.
Unit 1 – Responding to a Visual Stimulus
Non‑examination assessment (25%)
- Pair (6–8 minutes) or group discussion (8–10 minutes)
- Based on a short visual stimulus provided by WJEC
- Includes preparation time and extended discussion
- Assesses listening (15%) and speaking (10%)
Unit 2 – Responding to Various Sources
Non‑examination assessment (25%)
- Pair or group discussion based on mixed sources such as images, data or short texts
- Focuses on expressing opinions and analysing information
- Assesses speaking (20%) and listening (5%)
Unit 3 – Preparing for the Future
Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes – 25%)
Students complete reading and writing tasks linked to:
- Future plans
- Careers and the world of work
- Real‑life situations and authentic texts
Unit 4 – Literature and Creative
Written examination (1 hour 30 minutes – 25%)
Students respond to:
- Literary and non‑literary texts
- One set text (short story or poem), announced in advance
- Creative and analytical writing tasks
Skills Students Will Develop
Throughout the course, students will:
- Communicate confidently in spoken Welsh
- Understand and analyse spoken and written Welsh
- Write clearly and accurately for different purposes
- Express opinions and justify ideas
- Develop practical Welsh language skills for life and work
- Gain confidence using Welsh in social and professional contexts
Why Study GCSE Core Cymraeg?
GCSE Core Cymraeg:
- Builds confidence in using Welsh beyond the classroom
- Supports bilingualism and Welsh citizenship
- Develops transferable communication skills
- Provides a strong foundation for further Welsh language study
- Helps prepare learners for employment and further education in Wales
Key Information at a Glance
- Qualification: WJEC GCSE Core Cymraeg
- Course length: 2 years
- Assessment:
- Speaking & listening NEA (50%)
- Written examinations (50%)
- Tiering: None (one level for all learners)
- Dictionaries: Not permitted in assessments