British Sign Language – Level 1

Required qualifications

The Level 1 Award in British Sign Language can be taken without any previous BSL experience at any level. This qualification allows learners to gain basic skills and confidence in the two areas of production and reception of BSL.

BSL competence standards include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.

What skills will I develop?

Learn basic language skills to communicate simple conversations with deaf people.

The course will cover topics common to conversations when meeting new people, such as introductions, greetings, family and descriptions.

Appropriate etiquette and the directness of the deaf community. The importance of good eye contact, facial expressions and body language.

Building their confidence, communication skills and to practice and persevere with their receptive skills.

At the end of the qualification, 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

Careers

On completion of the 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

These qualifications would potentially lead an individual to various employment opportunities.

English and maths

English and maths is embedded into the course.

Other important information

The course is for 19+ learners aged 19+.

Remission of fees is available for the course depending on certain criteria required.