YOUNGSTERS at one of the most multi-cultural primary schools in Derby have been sharing their knowledge of British Sign Language (BSL) in a bid to help others have a better understanding of hearing loss.
Pupils at The Bemrose School’s primary school phase have produced an educational video in which they share signs for ‘hello’ and ‘how are you’.
The video has been shared with staff, pupils and parents to mark British Sign Language Week, which runs until March 19.
It is estimated that the deaf population in Derby is at least three times higher than the national average, and that only London has a larger number of deaf residents.
Kate Beecroft, headteacher at the Uttoxeter Road school said: “We have shared the video with our school community and are challenging everyone to try and use simple greetings using BSL such as ‘good morning’ and ‘good afternoon’.
“We want to inspire others in the city to learn some basic sign language that can really make a difference to the lives of people with hearing loss.”
Executive headteacher Neil Wilkinson added: “The primary pupils have worked so hard on learning BSL and have taught our secondary school staff, and students, basic signs including ‘please’ and ‘thank you’.
“I’m so proud of them for creating the inspirational video and hope that everyone finds it useful. We’ll be using BSL in class to take the register and to generally spread awareness.”
The national awareness week is held every March to mark the anniversary of the recognition of BSL by the British Government in 2003. Last year, the British Sign Language Act finally passed into law making BSL a recognised language across the UK.
British Sign Language is a rich combination of hand gestures, facial expressions and body language and, like English, has its own grammar, syntax and lexicons.
ENDS
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