Course Title and Level:

British Sign Language – Level 1

Tutor’s Name:Paul Cable

Day: Friday / Saturday

Full Fee: £300

Length: 30 weeks

Exam Fees: included in course fee

Start Date: September 2010

Exam Dates: as shown on the list of course dates

Venue and times: -

Friday – Wattenden Primary School – 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Saturday – Sussex Deaf Association 12.30pm to 2.30pm

1

Course Level (what you need to know or be able to do before you start this course):

This is for beginners who want to learn the basics of sign language known as British Sign Language (BSL) and would like to be able to communicate with those who use BSL. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary. 

2

What the course will cover:

Learners will be learning:

·       Introduction to understanding BSL

·       About sign language grammar and structure

·       Fingerspelling

·       Facial expression and body language

·       Understanding other signers

·       Communicate about familiar, day-to-day topics and activities.

3

Teaching and Learning Methods to be used:

Classes will be taught with the aid of a data-projector/PC, items, pictures, practical demonstration. Note that there will be very minimal handouts. There will be group/pair work, activities, individual tasks, and class work. The main aim is to enable conversational skills required for the assessments. 

4

Course Learning Outcomes (what you should be able to do by the end of the course):

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

·       Conduct a basic conversation with a Deaf person using British Sign Language

·       Request for clarifications

·       Recognise variations in the way Deaf people communicate

·       Ask questions and give answers

5

How do we check your progress during and at the end of the course?

Progress is constantly checked by the tutor through questions and answers using the correct signs in the correct order and language structure. Also conversations, receptivity and question/answers which is checked for understanding and signing structures.

6

Material you will need to bring to the course:

Notepad and pen for occasional notes. However BSL relies on memory so DO NOT spend time making extensive notes in class. Access given to tutor website for learning resources. 

Learners may wish to purchase books, CD-ROM, DVD, many other resources from the Forest Books catalogue (www.forestbooks.com) orwww.signature.org.uk. Also learners may wish to download the Signature Qualification Specification for Level 1 Award in British Sign Language as a guide to what will be taught on the course.

7

Any extra study or practice we expect at home:

Learners are expected to practice at home to retain memory of signs and language structure. Learners may work together in their own time if desired. They may also wish to attend a local Communication Club which is for both deaf and hearing people who want to develop their signing skills further in an informal setting. Information on tutor website –www.signlanguagetoday.com 

8

Formal course accreditation:

Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language. The assessment consists of three units and will be held during the course with the tutor and videoed for marking. Learners will need to pass all three units to gain the certificate. 

9

What you can do next either at this centre or elsewhere locally:

Learners may wish to progress to Signature BSL Level 2 Certificate.