Level 1

We know that many people who want to learn British Sign Language (BSL) don't necessarily want to take assessments and are happy to learn BSL without gaining qualifications. This course gives you both options!
 

Who is this course for?

This course can be taken without any previous BSL experience at any level and allows learners to gain basic skills and confidence in the two areas of production and reception of BSL.
 

Course objectives

At the end of the course, learners will be able to:

• understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL

• take part in simple, everyday conversations in BSL

• give and follow simple directions or instructions in BSL

• give and follow simple familiar statements or descriptions in BSL.
   

Course aim

This course is designed to teach you to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL) on a range of topics that involve simple, everyday language use. You will gain basic skills and confidence in the production and reception of BSL.
 

You and your classmates will be taught the Level 1 Award criteria that have been designed using the UK Occupational Language Standards 2010. You will have the choice to opt-in for the final assessments in order to gain the Level 1 Award in British Sign Language.

This qualification is accredited by Signature, the leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK.
 

Level 1 Award in British Sign Language is suitable for those who:

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• want to learn basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with Deaf people

• want to learn new language skills as part of a programme of study

• want to progress to more advanced study and/or employment using BSL in the future

• are studying for personal development

• are parents, family, friends or colleagues of Deaf people.
   

Progression routes

On completion of Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, a wide range of further qualifications are available, including:

• Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language

• Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language.
   

Who delivers this course?

To ensure you get the best learning experience, our courses are delivered by a team of qualified BSL teachers and communication professionals, including Deaf (native) BSL users. As when learning any new language, there are many linguistic and cultural aspects that can only be taught accurately by qualified and native users. We believe using a voice-off method during sessions gives learners a fully-immersive experience and can accelerate learning BSL. We also appreciate that allowing time for learners to ask for clarification in English can be beneficial and can improve understanding.