Sign Language Level 1

Course suitability

This qualification is aimed at those who:

Wish to acquire basic language skills to facilitate simple communication with deaf people
Wish to acquire new language skills as part of a programme of study
Wish to progress to more advanced study and/or employment using BSL in the future
Are studying for personal development
Are parents, family, friends to colleagues of deaf people.

Level 1 is very useful if you need some signing skills at work - many companies pay for their staff to take the Level 1 course as part of their customer care programme.

Entry qualifications

None required, however students are expected to be competent in the use of English and have access to video equipment for private study at home or in a library. You will need to be able to attend your course regularly and have some time outside the class each week to go over what you have learnt in class to practice your skills.

Information about the course

The Signature Level 1 Certificate in British Sign Language is designed to enable students to acquire a basic ability to communicate with people with a hearing impairment using sign language. It also aims to provide students with information about deaf people, the deaf community, deaf culture and everyday language use.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

Conduct a basic conversation with a deaf person using sign language
Sign a short passage, have a better understanding of deaf culture and community
Recognise variations in the way deaf people communicate.

Course content

This unitised course consists of 3 units as outlined below. Each unit can be achieved separately.

BSL101 Introduction to BSL
BSL102 Conversartional BSL
BSL103 at School ,College or Work

Additionality

All learners at West Herts College take part in an initial assessment in order for us to help them succeed on their chosen course.

You will need to bring A4 file paper, pen, pencils and eraser.

Please bring your Student ID badge, Learning Agreement and Invoice

Delivery

The course will taught by the following teaching and learning methods:
Use of board and overhead projector, demonstration, discussion, question and answer, group work, pair work, role plays, videos and learning with hands.

Assessment

BSL101 - your tutor will internally assess this unit

BSL102 and BSL103 will be externally assessed by a signature assessor

Progression

After Level 1 a wide range of further qualifications are available. Your course tutor will be able to discuss these with you during the course.

If you are interested in becoming an interpreter it may take between 5 and 7 years.

Advice and guidance will be given during the course on further learning and progression opportunities.