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Award in British Sign Language

This course is for learners who want to become deaf-aware and learn to communicate confidently with the deaf community while gaining a qualification in BSL L1.

This course is now full. 
You can use our enquiry form to register on our waiting list or request more information.

Course description

This course consists of three units: 

  1. Introduction to BSL.
  2. Conversational BSL.
  3. Communicate in BSL about everyday life. 

Throughout the course learning activities will build on this knowledge giving learners the confidence to be able to:

  • Recognise 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.

Most deaf people who use sign language in the UK use British Sign Language (BSL). It is a rich combination of hand gestures, facial expressions, body language and handshapes and is a helpful skill to have if you ever want to communicate effectively with deaf people. 

The best way to learn BSL is to take a course taught by a qualified BSL tutor who is fluent in the language. This course will cover some of the basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with deaf people in a variety of areas including greetings, fingerspelling, numbers, transport, weather, simple directions, and descriptions of people, buildings, work/everyday routines/activities. 

The qualification is divided into three units: 101, 102 and 103. Unit BSL 101 is internally assessed by the teacher. Units BSL 102 and BSL 103 are videoed and externally assessed by a Signature assessor.

 

Course level

Level 1 - These qualifications are for learners who want to build on their basic skills or knowledge gained at Entry Level, or those who have gained some experience in the workplace.

Who is this course for?

Residents of Calderdale aged 19+ who want to gain a qualification in BSL L1 and want to learn to communicate confidently with the deaf community and become deaf-aware.

Please note you will be contacted by the Course Tutor in advance of the start date so that we can give further information, advice and guidance, and assess your suitability for the accredited course.

What do I need to bring?

  • Pens, notebook, and use of BSL Apps is encouraged.
  • You must be able to access the web-based learning platform Google Classroom during the course. To do this you will need access to IT equipment such as a smartphone, laptop, PC or tablet, and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need to install Google Chrome Browser if you do not have this already – it's free to download and use, please visit: www.google.co.uk/chrome.
teaching sign language

Course information

Start date: Various
Time: Various
Day: Various
Venue:  Various

Course length: 30 weeks
Course code: Various
Course level: Level 1

Fees

Full fee: £192
Fee waiver available: Fee waivers are available for learners on unemployment related benefits or low wages. For more details, see: How to Enrol. 
Additional costs: No. However, students are shown various resources available including BSL dictionaries and websites - some are free, and some have a small fee.

 

Course dates and times

Venue Course code Start date Day Time How to enrol
Heath Campus PP01BSL 10th September 2024 Tuesday 6pm to 8.30pm Course now full. 
Register on waiting list.
Central Library PP01BSLH46 13th September 2024 Friday 10.15am to 12.45pm Course now full. 
Register on waiting list.

Additional information

Learning delivery method

We have the skills, resources and dedication to help you access the learning you need to enrich your life. Your course will be delivered by a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable tutor via classroom-based learning: face-to-face teaching at Heath Campus or other venue in Calderdale, combined with use of Google Classroom to access electronic learning resources, coursework set by your tutor, collaborative work and online sessions if required.

What will be expected of me?

Your course is either fully or co-funded by the government through the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and all Calderdale Adult Learning (CAL) learning is subject to Ofsted inspection. As such you will be required to carry out various learning activities so that we can ensure you are making the expected progress. 

You may have to undertake additional work outside of session times to extend your learning or comprehension where applicable, and you are expected to be punctual, attend regularly and show commitment to achieve successful completion of the course. 

If your attendance drops below 88% or you have not attended three consecutive classes without informing CAL, you may lose your place.
 

How will I know if I am making progress?

An Initial Assessment activity at the start of the course will enable your tutor to assess your starting point. For non-accredited learning this will be completed using a set tutor assessment relevant to the subject area. For accredited courses this requires learners to complete an assessment on the BKSB learning platform. In every class we acknowledge and accommodate for different levels of skill and experience, so learners will be encouraged to identify and work on their own areas for improvement.

You will have a Learner Journey where, with your tutor, you will set the individual learning targets you would like to meet. Throughout the course you will have opportunities to discuss your progress with your tutor, complete regular assessments and be given feedback (both verbally and written) on work produced.

Support for your progression and next steps

Please refer to the advice given to you by your course tutor towards the end of your course or speak to CAL’s IAG Officer for information on how you can progress. 

You can also visit www.calderdale.gov.uk/adultlearning to see the latest course opportunities available at CAL.  If you need support in literacy, numeracy, IT or employability skills please speak to your tutor in the first instance.

 

Information, advice and guidance

CAL Service has been awarded the matrix Standard, the national quality standard for organisations delivering IAG on learning and work.

CAL aims to help learners progress through their chosen course of study. Tutors, learning support staff and our IAG Officer are always available to give you support to help you decide whether a course is appropriate for you. If the course is not appropriate we will aim to put you in touch with an alternative provider. 

For more detailed and specific careers advice, we work in partnership with the Education Development Trust. You can email them at enquiries@educationdevelopmenttrust.com.  If you feel you would benefit from either an individual appointment with them, or a class visit, please ask your tutor in the first instance. 

You can also contact the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900. Their website is also an excellent source of information on careers, finding a job, courses and learning: National Careers Service.

Contact us

Calderdale Adult Learning
Heath Campus
Unit 4, Free School Lane
Halifax HX1 2PS

Telephone: 01422 392820
Email: cyps.cal@calderdale.gov.uk

Normal office hours: 
Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm. 
Fridays 9am to 1pm.