The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2024 issue - Magazine - Page 78
Educational institutions play a pivotal role in
shaping
responsible
and
compassionate
individuals. By teaching BSL, schools instil in
students a sense of social responsibility, fostering
an environment where differences are celebrated,
and everyone is given equal opportunities to
thrive.
How could your Primary school offer BSL?
How could your Secondary school offer BSL?
In 2023 the Government announced, following a
public consultation, that they had finalised the
subject content for a GCSE in BSL. The
responses to the consultation ensure the content
is knowledge-rich, diverse in its teaching and
challenging to pupils, as well as providing them
with a valuable life skill.
In Primary schools, there are several ways in
which you can deliver British Sign Language as
part of your curriculum. There are several primary
schools who offer a Signature level 1 to their
students and teachers, these students all come
away with a level 1 qualification in year 6.
The aim is to have an exam board syllabus
approved from September 2025.
Signature are also creating an online primary
school resource, that will allow any primary school
to offer BSL without having to have any previous
knowledge or expertise within the school.
To find out more and be kept updated on this
please register your information at:
https://www.signature.org.uk/schools/
To find out more and be kept updated on this
please
register
your
information
at:
https://www.signature.org.uk/schools/
Signature hope to see and support as many
schools and students as possible taking a BSL
GCSE.
In a world that is becoming more interconnected
and diverse, schools must adapt their curricula to
prepare students for the challenges and
opportunities that lie ahead. By offering British
Sign Language as part of their educational
programs, schools not only provide valuable skills
but also contribute to a more inclusive and
understanding society. It's time to break the
silence and bridge the communication gap,
ensuring that every student has the tools they
need to succeed in a diverse and interconnected
world.
Signature is a national charity and the leading
awarding body for deaf communication and
language qualifications in the UK. With over 40
years’ experience, we’ve supported more than
500,000 people to learn British Sign Language.
All Signature qualifications are nationally
recognised and accredited by Ofqual (The office
of the Qualifications and Examinations regulator).