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You may already be aware of British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications for adults. But what about schools? Historically, BSL hasn’t been widely taught in mainstream schools – something we at Signature are working to change.
We’re on a mission to help more people learn British Sign Language, and The School of Signs is here to make teaching BSL in primary schools more accessible.
Read on to learn about the benefits of teaching BSL in schools, and see how your school can get involved.
At the moment, BSL is not a standard part of the school curriculum. However, there is certainly a growing demand, and more than 3100 schools across the UK are now able to access free BSL teaching resources.
What’s more, around 70,000 Deaf and hearing impaired individuals in the UK use BSL as their preferred language.
If you’re wondering whether teaching BSL would be a great next step for your school, here are some benefits to bear in mind.
Sadly, Deaf students still face some significant learning barriers in mainstream school settings and are, on average, 17.5 months behind their peers by GCSE. By introducing BSL at primary school level, you can provide valuable support that gives Deaf students the opportunity to thrive alongside their hearing classmates.
Introducing British Sign Language lessons to schools can foster a more inclusive and socially responsible school environment. Deaf children will feel more included within classroom dynamics, and children will learn from a young age that individuals may have different ways of communicating, and that it’s possible and encouraged to cater to them.
As hearing children grow up, they may meet Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, and will be able to communicate with them via BSL, creating stronger connections between Deaf and hearing communities.
Teaching BSL can help all students develop their memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills.
As a non-verbal language, BSL can be incredibly helpful for students with a range of special educational needs and neurodivergence. It can open up accessible communication methods for students who may find verbal routes challenging or uncomfortable.
We’ve designed The School of Signs resources to help students learn BSL in a fun and engaging way. As well as finding enjoyment in learning a language, pupils will be able to:
It can also boost cognitive growth, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Regardless of whether or not there are Deaf students in the classroom, pupils will be encouraged to respect different cultures and connect with the Deaf community.
Our BSL programme includes a dedicated lesson to teach students about Deaf culture. They’ll learn sign names, be able to identify the Deaf flag, and watch interviews with Deaf children in their same age group.
Many primary school children may not yet have met Deaf individuals. By learning about Deaf culture, they will be encouraged to appreciate diverse experiences that may differ from their own, helping promote empathy and inclusion.
See our real-life BSL in primary school examples showcasing the benefits of teaching BSL in primary schools.
The School of Signs aims to make teaching BSL in primary schools accessible, enjoyable, and valuable.
When you sign up, you’ll receive everything you need to deliver video-led lessons created by expert BSL teachers from the Royal Association for Deaf People and backed by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL.
From printable worksheets and handouts to flashcards, our platform is packed with free resources to support your students’ learning.
You don’t need any prior BSL knowledge; you can simply sign up and get going!
Take a look at The School of Signs demo to see how the platform works.
At Signature, we believe every individual deserves the opportunity to communicate with ease, and nurturing a more inclusive and accessible society starts in schools.
If you’ve been thinking about teaching BSL in your primary school, The School of Signs can help make it possible. We can support you in:
Sign up for FREE today for The School of Sign BSL in primary schools programme . If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Signature team at hello@theschoolofsigns.org.uk.
British Sign Language (BSL) is a non-verbal way of communicating. It primarily involves gestures, facial expressions, and body language, and is used by more than 150,000 individuals in the UK as a primary or additional language.
Learn more in our guide: What is BSL?
Our BSL programme is designed to cover a wide range of topics that pupils will be able to use in their everyday lives. From fingerspelling and greetings to transport, hobbies, and feelings, students will learn valuable BSL communication skills to help them interact with others and express themselves freely.
Yes, we offer 100% free BSL lessons to primary schools, helping more young people access knowledge of British Sign Language.
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