British Sign Language (BSL) is an important part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the UK, yet it is often overlooked and undervalued in schools. However, there is a growing movement to change this by introducing a BSL GCSE as a part of the national curriculum.
National Deaf Children’s Society, British Deaf Association and British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People have been looking to understand how much interest there is in a BSL GCSE. This includes how many students would like to study it and how many schools are interested in teaching it.
This is a crucial opportunity for everyone to show their support for a BSL GCSE. Whether you are deaf or hearing, a parent, a young person, or a teacher – your voice matters. We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and be a part of the movement for a fairer, more equal world for deaf people.
National Deaf Children’s Society, British Deaf Association and British Association of Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People have been looking to understand how much interest there is in a BSL GCSE. This includes how many students would like to study it and how many schools are interested in teaching it.
This is a crucial opportunity for everyone to show their support for a BSL GCSE. Whether you are deaf or hearing, a parent, a young person, or a teacher – your voice matters. We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey and be a part of the movement for a fairer, more equal world for deaf people.
Signature has been involved with the process of creating a GCSE in BSL since 2010. Beginning with a successful pilot qualification in 2015, we oversaw its creation and distribution throughout a range of secondary schools. In 2019, Signature submitted a proposal to the Department for Education and based on this they confirm they would begin the complex process of developing subject content to see if a GCSE qualification is possible.
Currently, we are waiting for public consultation from both the Department for Education and Ofqual which we are expecting will be released early in 2023. The planned first teaching of a GCSE in BSL is 2025. By studying BSL at GCSE level, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the language, culture and community of the UK’s deaf people. It will also help promote equality and diversity within our education system and the wider society.
In conclusion, we strongly urge everyone to show their support for the introduction of BSL GCSE by completing the survey and help make the teaching of BSL a reality in our schools.
Currently, we are waiting for public consultation from both the Department for Education and Ofqual which we are expecting will be released early in 2023. The planned first teaching of a GCSE in BSL is 2025. By studying BSL at GCSE level, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the language, culture and community of the UK’s deaf people. It will also help promote equality and diversity within our education system and the wider society.
In conclusion, we strongly urge everyone to show their support for the introduction of BSL GCSE by completing the survey and help make the teaching of BSL a reality in our schools.