Cyd-Bwyllgor Addysg Cymru (CBAC)

Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)

The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC) was established in 1948, originally as a consortium of local education authorities. It is now established as the main provider of educational services in Wales, owned and controlled by the 22 unitary authorities. The services provided include: examinations for schools, teacher / tutor training and producing Welsh language learning / teaching materials.

The WJEC provides 4 qualifications specifically for adults who are learning Welsh as a second language, in a series called 'Defnyddio'r Gymraeg' or 'Using Welsh'. All 4 have been accredited by the Welsh Assembly's regulatory body, ACCAC (Qualifications, Curriculum & Assessment Authority for Wales), and are subject to the ACCAC Code of Practice. In ascending order, they are:

Defnyddio'r Gymraeg: Mynediad

Defnyddio'r Gymraeg: Sylfaen

Defnyddio'r Gymraeg: Canolradd

Defnyddio'r Gymraeg: Uwch

All four examinations test the candidates' ability in the four skills, with emphasis on the oral / aural skills. The main reasons given by learners for attending courses are: a. integrating with the Welsh language community and b. for use in the workplace. Therefore, the focus of the examinations provided is on using Welsh, speaking and understanding, in social and vocational contexts. This also reflects practice in Welsh language courses for adults.

The first 2 levels were successfully piloted in centres in North and South Wales in January and March 2003 and will be presented for full accreditation in December 2003. Candidates may sit the examinations at centres across Wales, organised in cooperation with local course providers. A higher level 'Proficiency' examination (C2 / ALTE 5) is in development.

Specifications (inculding sample papers), booklets for candidates, past papers (with cassettes for listening comprehension tests) are available for each qualification. Examination material and further information are available for download on the WJEC website.

For further information regarding the Welsh for Adults examinations, contact:

Dr Emyr Davies
Welsh for Adults Examinations Officer
CBAC / WJEC
245 Rhodfa'r Gorllewin / Western Avenue
CAERDYDD / CARDIFF
CF5 2YX
Cymru / Wales
UK

Tel 029 2026 5009
Fax 029 2057 5995
E-mail emyr.davies@cbac.co.uk
Internet www.wjec.co.uk