Welsh

What is it? There are two Welsh A-levels: Welsh First Language and Welsh Second Language. Both courses are a mixture of language and literature studies. As part of the coursework for Welsh First Language, you write a script based on a novel or short story of your choice. The courses are committed to blending old and new. In their literature exams, students of Welsh First Language are set poems dating from the sixth century to the present day.

Why do it? Because you love Welsh. "There should be as much heart as head in the decision to take Welsh A-level," says Hywel Jones, principal manager of Welsh at the Welsh Joint Education Committee.

What skills do you need? GCSE Welsh is not required, but your language skills will need to be of a high standard.

How much practical work is there? At AS, you'll do a coursework module. For Welsh Second Language, you'll write about something peculiarly Welsh.

Ratio of coursework to exams: 1:6

Is it hard? Unfortunately, it's not possible to wing these A-levels with a good command of spoken Welsh. You'll have to get to grips with Welsh grammar and classic Welsh literature such as Un Nos Ola Leuad (One Moonlit Night) by Caradog Prichard which tells the story of a boy growing up in North Wales.

Who takes it? Most students live in Wales, but there are some who live further afield and want to keep in touch with their roots.

How cool is it? "Welsh has become very cool in recent years," says Hywel Jones. "The phrase, 'Cool Cymru' has been a little over-used but we've had more students doing A-level Welsh as a result."

Added value: Many schools organise literary or cultural trips around Wales. For example, many students will visit the poet Hedd Wyn's house in North Wales.

What subjects go with it? Anything.

What degrees does it lead to? You can study Welsh on its own or with other languages and humanities subjects at the University of Wales.

Will it set you up for a brilliant career? Yes. There is a huge demand for Welsh speakers in the workplace in Wales. There are many jobs in the media, politics, medicine and teaching where a command of Welsh is essential.

What do the students say? "The best part of the course was writing the script based on a short story," says Angharad Davis, 17, who is also studying for AS music, computing and economics at Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, a Welsh medium school in Swansea. "I've also enjoyed studying Siwan, a play by Saunders Lewis. It's about a 13th-century princess who has a love affair with a prisoner."

Which awarding bodies offer it? The WJEC.

How widely available is it around the country? Widely in Wales.

c.rudebeck@independent.co.uk