Welsh Second Language - A2
About this course
Our A-Level in Welsh Second Language is a qualification for post-16 learners who want to continue their Welsh Language education through applied and practical learning, and whose aim is to progress their language skills in Welsh as an additional language. Students can expect the course to provide Teaching and Learning aimed at enhancing knowledge of the Welsh language and culture. This includes units that focus of the history of the Welsh Language, culture and policies dedicated to securing it’s use and survival.
Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, this programme is ideal for learners who have an interest in gaining fluency in the Welsh Language or for learners who want to study languages/linguistics at university, or any subject related to Welsh culture and history e.g. History, politics etc.
This is a two-year course. In Year 1, learners will achieve their Foundation Diploma in Applied Science. In Year 2, they will top-up to the Extended Diploma.
What you will study
Units covered in Year 2:
- Unit 4 (Oral Examination):
Section A: Living through the medium of Welsh
Section B: Discussing a play
Section C: Personal response Synoptic Assessment
- A2 Unit 5 (Written Exam Paper):
Section A: Comprises of a study of the Welsh language in society (questions based on the prescribed text) e.g. The historical context of the Welsh language from the middle of the 20th century to the present day, the establishment of the Welsh Assembly Government in 1998; Welsh Government policies regarding the Welsh language etc.
Students will also study the current situation of the Welsh language e.g. what challenges does the Welsh language face on a local and national level, what is being done to promote the Welsh language today and what evidence is there of this locally? Students will be encouraged to look at their locality e.g. get involved with the Urdd; technology and the Welsh language; local celebrities who promote the language.
Section B: Translanguaging – a written response in Welsh to an English-language article
- A2 Unit 6 Written Paper:
Section A: A composite question which includes different types of linguistic exercises assessing knowledge of grammar
Section B: 2 questions based on one of the prescribed texts and 1 question which brings together the information, understanding and skills developed in the subject.
Teaching and assessment methods
The course is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment.
Internal Assessment
The internally assessed unit 3 comprises of an Oracy assessment that will be completed in college in the presence of a visiting examiner. This includes a discussion on living through the medium of Welsh, a play and a personal, individual verbal response.
External assessment
In Year 2, Units 5 and 6 are examination sat in the Summer term at the end of the academic year. Unit 5 comprises of one written exam that assesses students study of Welsh Language in Society and Unit 6 consists of one exam that assesses student’s linguistic knowledge of Welsh.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs A* - C including English Language/Welsh First Language and Welsh Second Language (preferably B)
Start date
End date
Time of day
Full Time
Course code
Qualification
Facilities
Career prospects & further study
500
Languages/linguistics/Translation/communications, Welsh Politics, Government and Policy at University.