GCSE Core Cymraeg - Teaching from 2025

The construct of GCSE Core Cymraeg is based on the Welsh Government subject specific considerations and statements of what matters for Languages, Literacy and Communication:

• understanding the world around us
• enjoyment of Cymraeg and seeing value for Cymraeg outside the classroom
• using language associated with interests
• developing the use of Cymraeg for socialising and the workplace
• a wide variety of opportunities for learners to hear, see and read material which is rich and diverse in Cymraeg
• develop linguistic skills in order to use Cymraeg in a confident manner.

The GCSE Core Cymraeg qualification will support the Curriculum for Wales by:

• Supporting the statements of what matters by giving learners the opportunity to:
  • develop their understanding, empathy and ability to respond and mediate effectively
  • interact, explore ideas, express viewpoints knowledge and understanding and build relationships
  • experience and respond to a variety of diverse literature that gives them insight into the culture, people and history of Wales as well as the wider world
  • spark their imagination and creativity.

• Supporting the principles of progression by giving learners the opportunity to:
• build on their linguistic skills
  • grow holistically in their understanding and purposeful use of languages, literacy and communication
  • develop their linguistic repertoire through understanding how Cymraeg works
  • adapt and manipulate language to communicate effectively to a range of different audiences
  • develop receptive, interpretive and expressive language skills
  • transfer existing knowledge and skills into new contexts including the social and cultural aspects of language.

• Supporting the key considerations for language development by giving learners the opportunity to:
• develop phonological awareness and phonemic awareness
• build on learners’ previous knowledge of language(s) to support Welsh learning
• hear, view and read rich and varied Welsh
• provide suitable and sufficient opportunities for learners to use their Welsh purposefully in an authentic context.