A PETITION calling for Welsh language GCSE to be made optional, rather than compulsory, is set to be considered.

At present, GCSE Welsh is a compulsory subject and is recognised as a core subject alongside maths, English and science.

But a petition, signed by 128 people, is urging the Welsh Government to change their policy on the matter.

The petition will be considered by the National Assembly’s petitions committee on Tuesday.

It states: “We call on the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to change their policy and allow children to drop the Welsh language at GCSE (Key stage 4).

“Give our children back their choice, do not make the Welsh Language compulsory.”

Those calling for the change argue the compulsory subjects restricts students from taking another subject, narrowing options.

The petition committee meeting document says that a poll, in 2015, reportedly found nearly two-thirds of people oppose the current position of compulsory Welsh, based on a sample of 1,151 people.

But others argue that the subject should be compulsory because the Welsh language is part of the culture of Wales, the document adds.

The cabinet secretary for education also refers to the growth in demand for Welsh language skills from the workforce in it, and the need to ensure young people are equipped with the skills they need.

They also argue the role of education is important in increasing the number of Welsh speakers.

A research briefing for the National Assembly written in August, 2016, states: “Although the study of Welsh first language or Welsh second language as a subject is compulsory, making a decision on the type of qualification is a matter for schools and is done at a local level.

“At present at Key Stage 4, schools register pupils either for a Welsh first language GCSE, Welsh second language GCSE (full course), Welsh second language GCSE (short course), or for no qualification at all.

“The Welsh Government’s One Language For All: Review of Welsh Second Language at Key Stages 3 and 4 (2013) states that, although Welsh is a compulsory subject in the national curriculum, it is not compulsory to enter pupils to sit a GCSE examination or any other qualification.”

A new GCSE Welsh second language course is due to be introduced in September 2017.