23rd May 2011

New plans for a GCSE in BSL

Students across England and Wales could study GCSE in British Sign Language under new plans drawn up by Signature, the BSL qualifications body.

Signature has begun work creating a GCSE qualification to be piloted in 2012, but needs your help gathering evidence of the demand.  Signature has created an online form for students to sign up to, and help the campaign.

BSL is used by an estimated 125,000 people in the UK.  There are a growing number of mainstream schools providing education for deaf pupils, introducing BSL into mainstream schools would allow deaf and hearing children to study together on equal footing.

A GCSE in BSL could open up a range of career opportunities for young people they may have not previously considered. For example, BSL GCSE supporters show how such a qualification could help students in their training to become sign language interpreter – so important when you consider there is a nationwide shortage of qualified interpreters.

Remark! would like to encourage you and others to show your support by signing Signature’s petition!

http://www.signature.org.uk/gcse.php