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Introduction to British Sign Language

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Two people using sign language
Courses Code
QEXCEIBSL
Study method
Part Time
Location(s)
Cannock Lichfield Tamworth

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  • Is this course for you?

    The course is for those who would like to learn the basics of sign language.

  • Required qualifications

    You require no qualifications for this introductory course.

  • What skills will I develop?

    The course will cover topics common to conversations when meeting new people, such as introductions, greeting, family and descriptions.

    Appropriate etiquette and the directness of the deaf community. The importance of good eye contact, facial expressions and body language.

    Building their confidence, communication skills and to practice and persevere with their receptive skills.

    • To be able to successfully introduce self to a deaf signer.
    • To utilize their own natural gestures, facial expressions and body language when communicating in sign language (productive Lexicon).
    • To state a minimum of three differences between deaf culture and hearing culture and begin to understand deaf etiquette.
    • To construct sentences using BSL Grammar on at least three topics.
    • To memorise BSL numbers to 100, know number locations and sequencing.
    • To identify signs that are useful to the learner and use apps and books to research signs extra to what is being taught.

  • Careers

    The next step would be to progress to a qualification course to further your learning and career.

  • English and maths

      English:

    • Speaking and listening for a purpose, including quizzes
    • Making clear and relevant notes that can be understood later for references
    • To look at wasted words in English that are not used or signed in BSL
    • Reading and commenting on handouts
    • To understand how language develops and the technical terms of Linguistics and productive lexicon
    • To understand the difference between, SSE, BSL and Makaton
    • Research useful signs in books and apps

      • Maths:

    • Numbers and sequencing
    • Number location age at the end of the nose, general number location and money location
    • BSL sign space and timelines
    • Money signs

      • Digital:

    • Google classroom with appropriate website links for further learning outside of the classroom
    • BSL app for looking for new vocabulary and beat the teacher activities
    • WhatsApp (if the learners want it and feel it’s appropriate)
    • YouTube for extra practice videos, Preston Sign Tight, Sing up, Fletch (local BSL tutor L1, L2, L3 and L6) and Wayne Barrow
    • BBC OUCH disability forum to watch how hard lip reading can be – Charlie OUCH
    • BSL app for useful words in addition to what is being taught
    • Quiz

  • Other important information

    You have to be aged 19 years and above to join this course.

  • Is this course for you?

    The course is for those who would like to learn the basics of sign language.

  • Required qualifications

    You require no qualifications for this introductory course.

  • What skills will I develop?

    The course will cover topics common to conversations when meeting new people, such as introductions, greeting, family and descriptions.

    Appropriate etiquette and the directness of the deaf community. The importance of good eye contact, facial expressions and body language.

    Building their confidence, communication skills and to practice and persevere with their receptive skills.

    • To be able to successfully introduce self to a deaf signer.
    • To utilize their own natural gestures, facial expressions and body language when communicating in sign language (productive Lexicon).
    • To state a minimum of three differences between deaf culture and hearing culture and begin to understand deaf etiquette.
    • To construct sentences using BSL Grammar on at least three topics.
    • To memorise BSL numbers to 100, know number locations and sequencing.
    • To identify signs that are useful to the learner and use apps and books to research signs extra to what is being taught.

  • Careers

    The next step would be to progress to a qualification course to further your learning and career.

  • English and maths

      English:

    • Speaking and listening for a purpose, including quizzes
    • Making clear and relevant notes that can be understood later for references
    • To look at wasted words in English that are not used or signed in BSL
    • Reading and commenting on handouts
    • To understand how language develops and the technical terms of Linguistics and productive lexicon
    • To understand the difference between, SSE, BSL and Makaton
    • Research useful signs in books and apps

      • Maths:

    • Numbers and sequencing
    • Number location age at the end of the nose, general number location and money location
    • BSL sign space and timelines
    • Money signs

      • Digital:

    • Google classroom with appropriate website links for further learning outside of the classroom
    • BSL app for looking for new vocabulary and beat the teacher activities
    • WhatsApp (if the learners want it and feel it’s appropriate)
    • YouTube for extra practice videos, Preston Sign Tight, Sing up, Fletch (local BSL tutor L1, L2, L3 and L6) and Wayne Barrow
    • BBC OUCH disability forum to watch how hard lip reading can be – Charlie OUCH
    • BSL app for useful words in addition to what is being taught
    • Quiz

  • Other important information

    You have to be aged 19 years and above to join this course.

Testimonials

Tina Hunt British Sign Language Tutor

"I believe that everyone should learn sign language, young and old, so that we can all communicate with each other better and break down those barriers to communication that can be challenging to deaf and hearing people alike. I really love to see people making friends and growing in confidence as they learn new things"

Tina Hunt

British Sign Language Tutor

Apply for a course

  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Cannock College

    Start Date: 15th January 2026

    Code: QCEXCEIBSL-2

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Thursday

    Apply
  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Cannock College

    Start Date: 16th April 2026

    Code: QCEXCEIBSL-3

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Thursday

    Apply
  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Lichfield College

    Start Date: 12th January 2026

    Code: QLEXCEIBSL-2

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Monday

    Apply
  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Lichfield College

    Start Date: 13th April 2026

    Code: QLEXCEIBSL-3

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Monday

    Apply
  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Tamworth College

    Start Date: 12th January 2026

    Code: QTEXCEIBSL-2

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Monday

    Apply
  • Introduction to British Sign Language (TL)

    Tamworth College

    Start Date: 13th April 2026

    Code: QTEXCEIBSL-3

    Start Time: 19:00 PM

    End Time:21:00 PM

    Part Time: 10 Weeks

    Day(s): Monday

    Apply
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