LNF Cymru Literacy and numeracy for Wales

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Foundation Core Cymraeg

Entry Level Foundation Core Cymraeg is a two-year Welsh language course for learners aged 14 to 16 working towards Entry Level 1, 2 or 3, and it is almost entirely literacy, in Welsh. Learners read simple texts and answer multiple-choice questions (Unit 1, 25%), hold a role-play conversation about the world of work and present their local area orally (Unit 2, 40%), and write two short practical texts of up to 100 words, such as a CV or application form and information about local facilities (Unit 3, 35%). Everything is built on two themes, Yr Ardal (The Area) and Byd Gwaith (The World of Work). Numeracy is light: learners understand and use times, dates and costs in Welsh, for example the opening times and prices of local facilities.

Awarding body
WJEC
Level
Entry Level
First taught
September 2027
Amount of literacy work
High
Amount of numeracy 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 Purpose

  1. Presenting information about the area orally

    Assessed: In coursework (non-examination assessment, NEA)

    In Unit 2 learners present verbal information about their area using simple sentences, covering what is in the area, its attractions and leisure facilities and what there is to do. They then answer questions on it, and may prepare under supervision beforehand.

    Literacy: Purpose, Clarity and vocabulary

    Getting pupils ready

    Year 7
    Pupils say three Welsh sentences about what there is in their town, using a picture prompt.
    Year 8
    Pupils give a one minute talk in Welsh about local facilities, using cue cards, and answer one question from a partner.
    Year 9
    Pupils prepare and give a two minute Welsh presentation about their area, covering attractions and things to do, then answer unprepared questions from the class.
    Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

    Where it is in the specification: Unit 2, overview and Section 2.1.2, pages 13 and 15; Section 3.2, page 20

    “present information and answer questions based on their area”
    Progression step 3

    • I can organise talk so that different audiences in different contexts can follow what is being said, including using formal language.

    • I can speak clearly, recognising the appropriate language for different audiences and purposes, and varying my expression, vocabulary, tone and gestures to engage the audience.

    Progression step 4

    • I can speak clearly, selecting and adapting my language appropriately for a range of audiences and purposes, conveying meaning effectively to the audience.

    • I have experienced a range of area of learning and experience/discipline-specific and general academic vocabulary, and can use them in my own communication.

  2. Expressing simple opinions and reasons

    Assessed: In the exam and in coursework (NEA)

    Learners read, say and write simple opinions, such as likes and dislikes, enjoy and don't enjoy, and I prefer. In Units 2 and 3 they give simple views about their area and about the world of work, including why they like or dislike something.

    Literacy: Purpose, Planning and organising for different purposes, audiences and context

    Getting pupils ready

    Year 7
    Pupils say and write whether they like or dislike five hobbies in Welsh, using simple opinion phrases.
    Year 8
    Pupils give opinions in Welsh about places in their town and add a reason with because, in speech and in writing.
    Year 9
    Pupils write and say what they like and dislike about their area and what they would like to see there, giving a reason for each opinion.
    Show the specification wording and the LNF statements

    Where it is in the specification: Unit 1, Section 1.1.1, page 10; Unit 2, Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2, pages 14 and 15; Unit 3, Sections 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, page 17

    “Learners should be able to express simple views about the”
    Progression step 3

    • I can share, talk and write about my thoughts, feelings and opinions using a range of techniques to show impact.

    • I can write about my thoughts, feelings and opinions, showing empathy and respect.

    Progression step 4

    • I can share, talk and write about my thoughts, feelings and opinions showing empathy and respect.

Good to know

Links with other qualifications

The specification says the qualification "provides a broad foundation for progression to GCSE Core Cymraeg" (page 7). GCSE Core Cymraeg builds on the same speaking, listening, reading and writing in Welsh but asks for much more: spontaneous discussion and justified opinions, inference in longer texts, extended writing in different forms, accurate mutations, and reading and discussing charts and statistics. The practical writing here, such as job applications and information about the area, matches Foundation English, so the two departments can share models of forms, letters and leaflets.

Source: WJEC Entry Level Foundation Core Cymraeg specification, approved by Qualifications Wales, teaching from September 2027, for award from 2029 (© WJEC CBAC Ltd 2026).