Cymraeg qualifications that reflect Wales today - and the future
Heidi Brown, Senior Qualifications Manager at Qualifications Wales, leading the reform of AS and A Level qualifications in Cymraeg, discusses the future of new Cymraeg Qualifications in this blog.
Cymraeg (the Welsh language) belongs to everyone - and it is essential that the qualifications we offer reflect that. That is why we are consulting on design requirements for new AS and A Level qualifications in Cymraeg and Core Cymraeg.
These qualifications offer learners the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge that will enable them to make a difference - in the workplace, in the community, and in wider society. The qualifications will support learners to use the Welsh language confidently and on a daily basis, and to contribute to a bilingual country now and in the future.
Listening to improve
We have listened to teachers, learners and other partners who have a key role in the development of Cymraeg education and qualifications. The message was clear: learners' experience of Cymraeg is unique and varied. It is important that the qualifications available are relevant, inspiring and engaging and accessible to everyone.
What are the proposed changes?
- more contemporary content that reflects the diverse interests, identities and experiences of learners across Wales today
- a stronger focus on supporting learning and teaching which focuses on developing confident and practical communication skills
- more learning contexts that show how learners can contribute to a bilingual society, which develops a better understanding of living in Wales today
- opportunities to develop professional Welsh language skills that will support the aim of securing a workforce skilled in the Welsh language in the future
- content and assessments that are manageable for learners and their teachers
What would remain the same, according to our proposals?
We propose to keep what works well - including:
- focus on assessing oral skills in specific contexts, including literary contexts
- diverse assessment methods that support all learners to achieve and offer authentic assessment experiences
- opportunities to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of literature and the rich heritage of Cymraeg
- qualifications that are relevant and engaging
The new qualifications we offer and consult on will help learners to see how what they study is relevant to their lives - whether that is to prepare for further study, the world of work, or to contribute positively to their communities and society.
Your chance to have your say
The consultation is now open on our Have Your Say platform. We want to hear your opinion - whether you are a teacher, learner, parent, carer or anyone interested in Cymraeg as a subject.
The consultation will be open until 12 September 2025.