BSL level 1
You may wish to study BSL without the pressure of an exam, or just for fun. We can arrange for you to be taught without a formal final assessment and you will receive a certificate of attendance.
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: QB014
Please choose a course date
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The course is designed to enable you to communicate with Deaf people in British Sign Language at level 1 standard within a range of everyday topics. The course leads to the Level 1 Award in BSL, accredited by the Signature awarding body. The qualification comprises three units: introduction to British Sign Language, conversational British Sign Language and British Sign Language at school, college or work. You will have the opportunity to undertake the examinations for these three units within the course.
To achieve the full certificate in BSL, you must pass all three units. Unit BSL101 is internally assessed. Units BSL102 and BSL103 are externally assessed by a Signature assessor. The assessments could take place either online or face to face. If the assessment takes place online, it will be via Zoom. If the face to face process is used, it will be on a one to one basis with your course tutor.
This is a live course. You need an internet connection. The classes work best with the Chrome browser.
A computer with a camera is best – e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook. BSL classes do not need a microphone as it is visual.
iPad/smartphone/iPhone are not suitable – they are too small.
We will contact you with joining instruction and netiquette for BSL class.
What will we cover?
You will learn level 1 BSL communication skills relating to the following topic areas:
- meeting people
- using numbers
- weather
- transport
- directions
- people, animals and objects in the home
- interests and activities
- refreshment
- getting around.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- understand and use a limited range of simple words and sentences in BSL
- take part in simple conversations in BSL
- give and understand simple directions in BSL
- give and understand simple descriptions in BSL.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You will not need an interview for the Level 1 in BSL course – you can enrol directly.
You will need to have basic literacy as you will be asked to write some self-evaluations and read topics and instructions for examinations.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught in a small group (maximum of 8 learners). The teaching delivery methods will include:
• Interactive teaching
• Pair work - breakout sessions
• Questions and answers
• Group discussion
• Google classroom for resources
You will be expected to practice your BSL skills at home as homework. You will have access to resources on the Signworld online which you will be asked to refer to for homework – there are no additional costs for this.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There will be no additional costs for this course.
Examination fees are included in the course fees.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Successful candidates can apply for a place on a Level 2 in BSL course or a Pre-level 2 course.
