British Sign Language

This course is perfect for those who would like to try out some Sign Language.  It will also be useful for anyone who would like to learn some basic signs.  The course will provide you with a friendly non-threatening introduction to a fascinating language.  By the end of the course you will be able to introduce yourself, answer straightforward questions in BSL and use some fingerspelling.  This course would be suitable for people with an interest in working with deaf people in the near future or to improve their communication skills with family, friends and work colleagues.

Course Description

This course is for people who wish to obtain proficiency and competence in British Sign Language skills.  Level One Modules include:

  • Meeting deaf people/Introductions
  • Describing People, Animal & Objects
  • Life at Home, Daily & Weekly Routine
  • Free Time & Leisure
  • Eating & Drinking

Level Two Modules include:

  • At School and College 
  • At Work
  • Traveling Public & Private Transport
  • Holidays
  • Health & Illness

The Aim of the course is that you will understand British Sign Language sufficiently well to:

  • Identify relevant data and facts from simple and commonly used expressions to meet day-to-day requirements.
  • Identify instructions and guidance from simple commonly used expressions. In face-to-face situations, acknowledge the other signer politely, using appropriate conventions.
  • Seek clarification and confirmation when needed, using appropriate strategies.
  • Take appropriate action on the basis of instructions and guidance received.

and express yourself in British Sign Language sufficiently well to:

  • Address, greet and take leave of a deaf sign language user.
  • Identify and use a range of simple, commonly used question forms.
  • Select the forms appropriate to the context.
  • Maintain polite social conventions appropriate to the context.
  • Articulate (pronounce) the language clearly enough so that a sympathetic native user of the language would understand their questions and contributions.

Attendance

This course is split into two parts of 30 hours each and will be delivered over two years.  This will be on a part-time, weekly basis, either in the evening or daytime.

Cost

Cost covers : registration and course introduction,  12 x 2.5 hr fully participative, tutored sessions,  and course notes.

This cost does not include exam fees.  If at the end of the second course, you wish to take the Level One exam, your learning centre will help you find the nearest exam centre, but at this point in time, it is not possible to sit the exam through SWRC.

The cost of each part is £240.  This course is ILA Scotland approved and you may be eligible to apply for funding from ILA Scotland.  Ask your learning centre for more information on how to apply, or  call ILA Scotland Free on 0808 100 1090.  Applications may take around 4 weeks.  Click here to find out more.