Foundation Core Cymraeg
Entry Level Foundation Core Cymraeg is a two-year, 120 guided learning hour Welsh language course for learners aged 14 to 16 who are working towards Entry Level 1, 2 or 3. All of it is built on two themes, Yr Ardal (The Area) and Byd Gwaith (The World of Work). Digital demand is low. Centres can run the Unit 1 multiple-choice reading tests on screen, and in Unit 3 learners write a work-related text such as an email, CV or application form, then present information about local facilities in a format they choose, such as a Word document or PowerPoint, after up to 30 minutes of research. Making appropriate use of digital technology is listed as a learning experience but is not assessed.
- Awarding body
- WJEC
- Level
- Entry Level
- First taught
- September 2027
- Amount of digital work
- Low
- Specification
- Open the specification
How this qualification is assessed
- Unit 1: Reading to understand and refer to familiar contexts: Two multiple-choice subject tests of 30 minutes each, taken on screen or on paper within a four-week summer window, 25%, 40 marks (20 per test), set and marked by WJEC
- Unit 2: Oracy for everyday life: Practical assessment of individual oral tasks lasting 4 to 6 minutes, with up to 2 hours of supervised preparation for Part 2 Task 1, 40%, 40 marks, set by WJEC, marked by the centre and moderated by WJEC
- Unit 3: Writing for practical purposes: Written assessment of two writing tasks of up to 100 words each, up to 45 minutes per task plus up to 30 minutes of supervised research, 35%, 20 marks, set by WJEC, marked by the centre and moderated by WJEC
Skills that use Health and well-being
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Using digital media to hear, read and use Welsh
The specification lists making appropriate use of digital technology and listening to Welsh in authentic contexts among its learning experiences, which are not directly assessed. Welsh language websites, apps, video and radio give learners more chances to hear, see and read Welsh outside the classroom, which supports all three units.
DCF: Sourcing, searching and planning digital content, Health and well-being
Getting pupils ready
- Year 7
- Pupils watch a short clip from a Welsh language programme with Welsh subtitles and pick out five words they know about hobbies.
- Year 8
- Pupils use an online Welsh dictionary to find the words for local facilities, then save the useful links in a shared class list.
- Year 9
- Pupils find a Welsh language video or post from a local business or attraction, note who made it and three facts it gives, and talk about where they see Welsh used online.
Show the specification wording and the DCF statements
Where it is in the specification: Opportunities for integration of learning experiences, page 18; Section 1.2, page 7
“make appropriate use of digital technology”
Progression step 3
I can adjust keywords and search techniques to find relevant information.
I can store search results for future use, e.g. bookmark, add to favourites.
Progression step 4
I can search a variety of sources using relevant search techniques with increased complexity.
I can reflect on the role of digital media in my life and habits.
Good to know
- Unit 1 can be taken on screen: "Centres will have the option to complete the test digitally or on paper." (Section 3.2, page 20). There are separate entry codes, 6040UA for "Unit 1 (On screen)" and 6040UB for paper (Section 5.1, page 24).
- For Unit 3 Task 2 learners can choose a "Word document, PowerPoint, letter, email, poster" format, but some formats, such as posters, "may restrict access to higher-level marks" (Section 3.2, pages 20 and 21).
- Research time is limited: "Candidates may have up to 30 minutes to conduct research under supervised conditions." (Section 3.2, page 21). The specification does not say whether this is online.
- Units 2 and 3 are supervised non-examination assessments, and teachers "must not give feedback on the evidence that is produced" (Section 3.3, page 21). The specification states no separate AI rules; it points to JCQ's "Instructions for Conducting Non-Examination Assessments" (page 21).
- Unit 2 is spoken, so "evidence of performance (e.g. presentations) must be recorded using observation records" (Section 3.3, page 21).
- Digital technology is a learning experience only: the qualification creates opportunities to "make appropriate use of digital technology", and "the experiences will not be directly assessed" (page 18).
- Appendix A (page 28) ticks Digital Competence Citizenship and Interacting and collaborating for Units 1 and 2, Producing for all three units, and nothing for Data and Computational Thinking.
Links with other qualifications
The specification says the qualification "provides a broad foundation for progression to GCSE Core Cymraeg" (page 7). GCSE Core Cymraeg keeps the same idea of Welsh for work and everyday life but steps up the digital side, with a video stimulus, charts and statistics, and digital text types such as blogs, emails and online information. The work-related emails, CVs and forms and the information leaflet about the area match the practical writing in Foundation English, which also includes job applications and information leaflets, and the local research and careers focus support Careers and Work-Related Experiences across the curriculum.
Source: WJEC Entry Level Foundation Core Cymraeg specification, approved by Qualifications Wales, teaching from September 2027, for award from 2029 (© WJEC CBAC Ltd 2026).