A TEENAGER at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby has become the youngest pupil in the school’s 125-year history to gain a complex sign language qualification.
Brady White was just 14 years old when he took the level three British Sign Language (BSL) exam, making him one of the youngest to achieve the certification in the UK and demonstrating an aptitude which was well above his age.
The exam, which is equivalent to an A-Level, aims to encourage learners to build an advanced knowledge of BSL linguistics and an understanding of the deaf community and deaf culture.
The signing course was examined by leading deafness charity Signature which says that on completion of level three learners will be able to use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations.
Most pupils typically leave the Ashbourne Road school with a level two qualification in BSL, but the school has further raised the BSL standard by introducing level three into its curriculum.
Marie Clampitt, BSL lead for the school, said: “We are extremely proud of Brady and pleased to know that he is one of the youngest in the UK to pass the level three exam.
“He is a natural at BSL – he works extremely hard and thoroughly enjoys the subject. He is a great role model too and I am hoping he will inspire others to achieve level three.”
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Brady, who has deaf parents and three deaf siblings, also enjoys maths and hopes to work in accounting or a career that involves working with numbers.
BSL is a complete language with a unique vocabulary, construction and grammar and in Britain there are more than 70,000 people who use is as a first or preferred language.
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Head teacher Helen Shepherd said: “All our lessons are delivered through British Sign Language and spoken English.
“We have a real mix of children, some from deaf families, some from hearing families and some students who may have been in mainstream education, so our teaching is very much tailored to the individual.
“We are absolutely thrilled for Brady and I hope he will inspire pupils at our school and beyond after showing just what can be achieved.”
ENDS
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