WELSH A LEVELS AND UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Early day motion 449, tabled 19 January 2004 by Simon Thomas (Plaid Cymru). Signed by 22 members.

That this House notes the initial decision of Nottingham University to reject an A level in Welsh as a valid entry requirement from a pupil at Ysgol Penweddig, Aberystwyth, but perversely to suggest it would accept success in an English A level from him; welcomes the decision of the University, following publicity, to reconsider this decision and to review its admission policies regarding the Welsh language and its statement that Welsh has equal status with English as a UK language; notes, however, disturbing anecdotal evidence that other English universities do not consider a Welsh A level as an equivalent entry requirement to English; further notes the comments of the Welsh Language Board that it is unacceptable and illegal to exclude Welsh A level in this way; is concerned that such adverse and colonial attitudes to the Welsh language could either deter students from studying the Welsh language at A level; and calls on the Department of Education and Skills, together with Universities UK, to make it clear to all universities that an A level in Welsh is as valid a qualification as an A level in English.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Plaid Cymru 3, Liberal Democrat 2, Scottish National Party 2, Labour/Co-operative 1.