The headteacher of a Derby school has welcomed the Government’s decision to introduce a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL) saying it is a ‘wonderful Christmas present for the deaf community’.
Staff at Royal School for the Deaf Derby have been campaigning for the introduction of a BSL GCSE for at least a decade, saying it will increase inclusivity and break down barriers between the hearing and deaf worlds.
They have praised the Department for Education’s announcement that students will be able to start studying for a GSCE in BSL, which will also teach the history of the language in the UK, in September 2025.
The school in Ashbourne Road offers British Sign Language tuition to parents and carers of all pupils and also provides training to frontline services. But in some areas of the country, parents and carers have to pay for classes so they can communicate with their own children.
Headteacher Paul Burrows said: “This is really welcome news and something the school has campaigned for over many years.
“Thousands of people across the country use BSL and it has been frustrating for the deaf community that other languages, such as French and Spanish, are offered while their language has been overlooked. BSL is a beautiful language, which is also really good fun to learn.
“We tell all our pupils that being deaf is not a barrier to success, but the reality is that relying on BSL in a speaking world does make life significantly harder for the deaf community.
“Every day, deaf people face challenges in being understood, but this is a significant step towards equality – it’s a wonderful Christmas present for the deaf community.”
BSL was officially recognised as a language in the UK last year, after the British Sign Language Act was passed.
According to the Government, in line with all qualifications, the BSL GCSE will be open to all pupils and will be recognised and accepted in school and college performance tables.
An internationally recognised qualification, pupils who study it will develop ways of expressing and negotiating meaning through visual spatial language, communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives.
As well as learning how to sign effectively, the GCSE will also give students an understanding of the history of sign language which will provide a solid foundation for students’ understanding of how the language reached its current form.
Paul added: “If more people in society have basic BSL skills, doors will naturally open for the deaf community which is so important.
“Our pupils have much to offer the world and the only thing holding them back is society’s ability to communicate with them. This is such a significant step forward for everyone.”
This story was written and shared on behalf of Royal School for the Deaf Derby by Sarah Newton. Can we share your news and get you in the headlines too? Find out how we can help by getting in touch.
