AS LEVEL WELSH (2ND LANGUAGE)

Dewch i astudio Cymraeg! Come and learn Welsh - This course is available to full-time learners who wish to study the AS and A level in Welsh as a Second Language. The Welsh Second Language AS and A Level Specification is designed to encourage students to:

1. Study Welsh with interest, enjoyment and enthusiasm;

2. Communicate correctly and fluently both orally and in writing within a wide

range of situations and contexts;

3. Write creatively and factually for a range of purposes;

4. Analyse familiar and unfamiliar texts independently;

5. Listen and respond to the opinions of others when expressing a point of view

6. Express an independent opinion, based on knowledge and understanding of

literary and factual texts;

7. Respond in Welsh with clarity, in a relevant, confident and structured manner

8. Play an appropriate role in a bilingual society at the beginning of the twenty first century.

This course is ideal for candidates who have already completed the GCSE course in Welsh as a Second Language. The course is also suitable to candidates who have an interest in Welsh culture, particularly the study of film, poetry and Welsh history. The purpose of this specification is to develop candidates’ communication skills, in both written and spoken Welsh. It is intended to develop their ability to use language imaginatively. Broad reading is encouraged as well as thorough learning of specific literary works. The ability to respond to literature and contemporary multimedia cultural materials is promoted in order to gain an appreciation of Wales’s cultural heritage

Please contact Carys at carys.roberts@cambria.ac.uk to see whether you are suitable for this course or if you would like any further information about the course content.

The course is also available as a part time evening course.

How you will gain the qualification

The AS year – One year

CA1: Film and Oracy

CA2: Written Coursework

CA3: The use of Language and Poetry

The A2/full A level year – one year

CA4: Drama and Oracy

CA5: The Short Story and Translanguaging

CA6: The Use of Language and Poetry Appreciation

Further information about separate modules:

There is a strong emphasis on oral and listening skills in all lessons and there is ample opportunity to work in pairs, small groups, with the Welsh assistant and independently. Written skills are developed systematically throughout the course as is the ability to deal with both oral and written forms of the language in a variety of contexts. The topics on the syllabus are wide ranging and stimulating.

CA1 – Film and Oracy: Speaking exam – approx. 30 mins – in a group

Candidates will be questioned on the following in groups of 2-3

a – A discussion of Welsh film, S4C, Radio Cymru and theatre

b – The film “Hedd Wyn”

c – Themes which arise from the film

CA2 – Written coursework

Candidates are required to create a project of between 2,000 – 3,000 words with at least 4 pieces in different formats. One piece of writing will be completed under special conditions. The topic can be self-chosen.

CA3 – Written Examination (2 hours)

The Use of Language and Poetry –

Section A will test the ability to use words and phrases in sentences, correct common errors and write on a set topic.

Section B: 3 questions based on one of 7 poems taught in class – the poem’s content, the poem’s style and to write about the theme in the poem.

The Second Year – A2

CA4 – Speaking Exam – approx. 30 minutes in a group

Candidates will be questioned on the following:

a – a discussion of Welsh theatre and films, S4C, Radio Cymru, newspapers and magazines in Welsh and the presence of Welsh on the web.

b – The drama “Siwan” by Saunders Lewis

c – A discussion of the connections between different aspects of Welsh, through combining and coordinating information from different parts of the course

CA5 – Written exam (1 hour, 45 minutes) The Short Story and Translanguaging

Section A: 2 questioned based on one of 4 short stories taught in class

Section B: To write a letter in Welsh responding to the content of an article in English

CA6 – Written Exam (1 hour, 45 minutes) The Use of Language and Poetry Appreciation

Section A: Questions which test different types of linguistic skills such as translations, using verbs and conjunctions in sentences.

What qualifications you need

GCSE Language and English Literature at a minimum of a C grade with five other subjects at C grade or above. Students wishing to study A-levels full-time at Yale College must have at least 6 GCSE Grade Cs (or more) including English Language.

A minimum of C is required to study AS level Welsh as a Second Language although a B is preferred.

See the separate sheet for AS Welsh (night class) if you are not a full-time student.

Where to next

The importance of studying Welsh is obvious, whatever your career aspirations may be. Policies exist now so that a qualification in Welsh is sought after when applying for jobs. You may choose to study this subject for your own enjoyment, but career opportunities are created from possessing a qualification in Welsh such as teaching, translating, interpreting and working with businesses that require communication in Welsh. Languages combine well with any subject now that more H.E. Institutions are offering greater possibilities to continue language study. A study of language requires imagination, self-discipline and the ability to communicate. These are highly desirable qualities for prospective employers and language students are being employed in an increasing number of careers.