WJEC GCSE Welsh Language specification (3000)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC GCSE Welsh Language exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC GCSE Welsh Language specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC GCSE Welsh Language (3000) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC GCSE Welsh Language qualification promotes proficiency in oracy, reading, and writing, enabling learners to communicate confidently, fluently and appropriately in Welsh. It is designed to inspire candidates to develop strong literacy skills and an appreciation of the language across personal, social, and academic contexts. The course encourages independent thinking, verbal reasoning, and high-quality writing, while also supporting engagement with dynamic texts and the ability to adapt language for various audiences and purposes. It builds on the Literacy and Numeracy Framework at Key Stage 3 and prepares learners for further education or employment within a Welsh-speaking context:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Oracy (non-exam assessment)
- Task 1: Individual Researched Presentation (based on themes such as Wales, Leisure, Work, Science/Technology, Citizenship)
- Focus: prepared presentation with Q&A
- Task 2: Responding and Interacting
- Focus: group discussion based on written/visual stimuli from WJEC
- Skills: verbal reasoning, grammatical accuracy, appropriate register, content and organisation
Unit 2: Reading and Writing – Description, Narration and Exposition
- Section A: Reading
- Text types: description, narration, exposition (continuous/non-continuous texts)
- Includes: editing task (2.5% of qualification)
- Section B: Writing
- One extended writing task (choice of two genres: description, narration, exposition)
- One proofreading task (2.5% of qualification)
- Skills: communication, structure, accurate grammar, punctuation, spelling
Unit 3: Reading and Writing – Argumentation, Persuasion and Instructional
- Section A: Reading
- Text types: argumentation, persuasion, instructional (continuous/non-continuous texts)
- Section B: Writing
- One argumentation and one persuasion task (compulsory)
- Skills: analysis, interpretation, writing for purpose and audience
Content Integration
- All texts used in exams are unseen
- Emphasis on functional Welsh for real-life contexts (personal, educational, work)
- Integrated approach across oracy, reading, writing
Key Skill Development
- Listening and speaking in formal/informal situations
- Reading for inference, deduction, synthesis, evaluation
- Writing for impact, adapting style, editing and proofing
- Application of verbal reasoning and audience awareness
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Oracy
- Non-exam assessment (30%)
- Task 1: Individual Researched Presentation – 15% (40 marks)
- Task 2: Group Discussion (Responding and Interacting) – 15% (40 marks)
- Assessed internally, moderated externally
- Focus on register, accuracy, content and organisation
Unit 2: Reading and Writing (Description, Narration, Exposition)
- Written exam (2 hrs) – 35% of qualification
- Section A: Reading – 15% (30 marks)
- Multiple text types; includes editing task
- Section B: Writing – 20% (40 marks)
- One extended task + proofreading task
- Section A: Reading – 15% (30 marks)
Unit 3: Reading and Writing (Argumentation, Persuasion, Instructional)
- Written exam (2 hrs) – 35% of qualification
- Section A: Reading – 15% (30 marks)
- Multiple text types (argument, persuasion, instruction)
- Section B: Writing – 20% (40 marks)
- One argument and one persuasion task (compulsory)
- Section A: Reading – 15% (30 marks)
Assessment Objectives
- AO1 Oracy – 30%
- AO2 Reading – 30%
- AO3 Writing – 40%
Assessment Schedule
- Linear: all units assessed at end of course
- Assessment available in June and November series annually:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC GCSE Welsh Language isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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