A1073 - Prepare for British Sign Language Award (level 1)

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Start Date: 05/10/2026      End Date: 26/10/2026        Start Time: 18:15      End Time: 20:30        Hours per Week: 2.25      No of Weeks: 4
Fees:      £49.00 (tuition)     £115.00 (overseas)     £0.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Paula Mattison        No of Places: 8
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
Curious about British Sign Language? This introductory course gives you a taste of BSL before you commit to the full award. You'll learn the basics of signing — the alphabet, numbers, and everyday phrases — and start to understand the Deaf community and culture in the UK.
By the end of the course, you'll have a solid foundation and the confidence to progress to the BSL level 1 Award.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Use the BSL fingerspelling alphabet and numbers to spell out names, addresses, and simple information
* Sign a range of everyday words and phrases covering topics such as greetings, family, and daily routines
* Understand key features of Deaf culture and the role of BSL as a language in the UK
* Demonstrate the basic communication strategies used in BSL, including eye contact, facial expression, and body language
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
No previous knowledge of BSL or sign language is needed. This course is open to all.
Prosp User 8

Equipment required

Equipment required
No specialist equipment required. A smartphone or tablet (if you have one) may be useful for watching BSL videos outside of class.
Prosp User 9

How will you know you are making progress?

How will you know you are making progress?
Your tutor will assess your signing through observation and in-class activities throughout the course. You need to attend at least 80% of your classes.
Prosp User 12
Prosp User 11

Progress opportunities - your next steps

Progress opportunities - your next steps
British Sign Language Award (level 1); Communication support roles in education and health settings; Cache or equivalent teaching assistant qualification (external provider).
Prosp User 10

Other info

Other info
One of our aims is to help you make progress in work or future studies. We also want to help you participate in your communities and become an active citizen. In our classes, you will develop important skills that employers value and that will help you in everyday life. Here’s what you will learn:
Communication Skills: You will learn to speak and write more clearly and confidently. This includes practising conversations for work, writing emails, and filling out forms.
Decision-Making: You will learn how to make good choices by evaluating different options and thinking critically about situations.
Teamwork: You will learn how to work well with others.
Problem-Solving: You will develop the ability to identify problems and find effective solutions, useful in both work and daily life.
Time Management: You will practice managing your time effectively, including setting goals and meeting deadlines.
By improving these skills, you will increase your chances of finding a job, advancing in your career, and becoming an active member of your community.
Prosp User 13

Extra Support

Extra Support
We can help you if you tell us you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs. Please tell us when you enrol or in your first class.
Prosp User 14