Y8954 - British Sign Language Award (level 1)

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Start Date: 02/11/2026      End Date: 05/07/2027        Start Time: 18:15      End Time: 20:30        Hours per Week: 2.25      No of Weeks: 32
Fees:      £391.00 (tuition)     £918.00 (overseas)     £0.00 (concessionary)
Tutor: Paula Mattison        No of Places: 18
Idea Store Whitechapel

Course Overview

Course Overview
This course leads to the nationally recognised British Sign Language level 1 Award — a qualification that demonstrates you can communicate in BSL in a range of everyday situations.
Building on the foundation from the preparatory course, you'll develop your signing vocabulary, grammar, and fluency across a range of topics, and be assessed through practical signing tasks to achieve the award.

What will you learn and be able to do?

What will you learn and be able to do?
* Sign confidently across a range of topics — including work, health, travel, and social situations — using appropriate BSL vocabulary and grammar
* Understand and respond to BSL signed by others, following conversations at an appropriate pace for level 1
* Use BSL communication strategies effectively, including non-manual features such as facial expression, mouth patterns, and body movement
* Complete the assessed tasks required for the Ascentis BSL level 1 Award, demonstrating competence in both receptive and expressive signing
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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
Completion of Prepare for British Sign Language Award (level 1), or equivalent foundation knowledge of BSL.
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 observe your signing throughout the course and give regular feedback. The award is achieved through practical assessment tasks set by the awarding body. 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
BSL level 2 Award (external provider); Communication support worker roles in education, health, and social care; Supporting Deaf colleagues and service users in the workplace.
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