Kids to take GCSE in British Sign Language as Rose Ayling-Ellis raises consciousness
Schoolchildren will quickly have the ability to take a GCSE in British Sign Language. A brand new qualification will educate college students to signal successfully utilizing BSL and provides them an understanding of the historical past of signal language within the UK.
Parents, academics and the deaf and listening to communities have taken half in a 12-week session on what ought to be included within the course. The finalised content material for the brand new qualification has at present been revealed by the Department for Education.
The Government is aiming to have examination board syllabuses permitted for the brand new qualification from September 2025. In 2018, the Government mentioned it will contemplate introducing a GCSE in BSL after deaf schoolboy Daniel Jillings campaigned for the brand new qualification and his household launched a authorized problem to get one instated as rapidly as doable. Campaigning by actress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who received Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, has additionally raised consciousness of signal language.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan mentioned: “Studying British Sign Language can open so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects. This new qualification will not only break down barriers and give young people valuable new skills, but also celebrate the history and rich culture of British Sign Language.”
Michael Hanton, deputy chief regulator of Ofqual, mentioned: “We’re grateful to those who engaged with our consultation, which was a crucial step forward for this new and important qualification. We will now begin the detailed regulatory work to ensure that the new GCSE in British Sign Language will be high quality and fair for students.”
Susan Daniels, chief government of the National Deaf Children’s Society, mentioned: “After more than a decade of campaigning for a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) we’re delighted we now have the finalised course content published. A GCSE in BSL is vital as it will break down barriers and celebrate the rich culture and history of British Sign Language. An incredible amount of work has been undertaken to get to this point, not least from young deaf campaigner Daniel Jillings who fought so hard for the right to study a GCSE in BSL.”
