<P> Welsh medium education should be distinguished from the teaching of the Welsh language itself as an academic subject . Welsh as a subject is taught as a first language in Welsh medium schools . In the majority of English medium schools , Welsh is taught as a second language and became compulsory for all pupils in Wales at Key Stages 1 , 2 and 3 ( up to age 14 ) in 1990 . In 1999 , it became a compulsory subject for Key Stage 4 pupils ( GCSE ( ages 15 and 16 ) ) . Provision of Welsh as a subject in independent ( private ) schools is less widespread -- only a few provide it , and it is taught as a second language . There is no private designated Welsh - medium school in Wales , although one does exist in London , known as the London Welsh School . </P>
<P> Welsh medium education should be distinguished from the teaching of the Welsh language itself as an academic subject . Welsh as a subject is taught as a first language in Welsh medium schools . In the majority of English medium schools , Welsh is taught as a second language and became compulsory for all pupils in Wales at Key Stages 1 , 2 and 3 ( up to age 14 ) in 1990 . In 1999 , it became a compulsory subject for Key Stage 4 pupils ( GCSE ( ages 15 and 16 ) ) . Provision of Welsh as a subject in independent ( private ) schools is less widespread -- only a few provide it , and it is taught as a second language . There is no private designated Welsh - medium school in Wales , although one does exist in London , known as the London Welsh School . </P>
when did the welsh language became a core subject in the national curriculum in wales
when did the welsh language became a core subject in the national curriculum in wales
1990
1990