On Wednesday 20th March 2024, over 364,000 primary school aged children across the United Kingdom participated in the UK’s largest ever online British Sign Language (BSL) lesson as part of Sign Language Week celebrations.
Across the country, more than 2,200 primary schools joined forces to celebrate British Sign Language, marking the beginning of their exploration into this rich language.
Signature, in partnership with the British Deaf Association (BDA), developed an online lesson tailored for primary schools, enabling them to learn British Sign Language from a qualified Deaf teacher, Yvonne Cobb. The online lesson allows pupils and teachers to learn together some basic BSL, as part of the lesson they will learn the fingerspelling alphabet and some basic greetings.
With over 360,000 pupils taking part, the enthusiasm that we have observed for Sign Language Week and the online lesson makes us incredibly excited for our upcoming launch of our primary school curriculum. The primary school curriculum will be offered to all primary schools across the UK.
This lesson formed one of the many parts of Sign Language Week.
Sign Language week, an annual event organised by the BDA, is a dedicated celebration of British Sign Language (BSL). Held every March, the campaign commemorates the Governments acknowledgement of BSL as a language in its own right.
The campaign is a celebration of inclusivity, cultural richness, educational empowerment and advocacy for accessibility and rights. Through illuminating the beauty of this visual language, we hope that BSL is protected for future generations to come.
Yvonne Cobb, a Deaf teacher, and celebrity TV presenter led the virtual lesson, which remains accessible for future classes and students as part of an ongoing initiative to promote BSL inclusion in UK primary schools.
Lindsay Foster, Executive Director at Signature commented:
“It is remarkable that over 364,000 pupils are involved in this lesson, which aims to educate individuals about BSL. The immense interest that we have seen in this lesson illuminates the great enthusiasm that schools and pupils have in learning BSL.
We hope that Sign Language Week really sheds a spotlight on BSL, and the enjoyment one can have learning this visual language. Through being a part of this campaign, we strive to educate and provide people with the correct information.
It has been great to once again work alongside the BDA, who, like us are passionate in celebrating BSL. The interaction we have witnessed during this campaign highlights how successful we can be.
However, it is crucial to remember, sign language is not only important this week, but every day.
If your school is interested in offering BSL as part of your curriculum we encourage you to get in touch, we are really excited to launch our BSL primary curriculum.”
Dr John Walker, Chair of Signature, said:
“Signature is delighted to join forces with BDA for Sign Language Week by offering an engaging online BSL lesson created specifically for primary schools. It is outstanding that so many primary schools and pupils want to learn about BSL and this shows the wide enthusiasm in the language.
We hope that the online lesson is simply a starting point for many primary schools on their BSL journey. Introducing sign language into the classroom not only fosters inclusivity but the wider benefits for children of strengthening communication skills and confidence, an appreciation of different cultures and additional ways for children to express emotions”