Introduction of British Sign Language

<p>Are you looking for a new challenge? Would you like to enhance your current job role or maybe move into a new career? Do you have or know someone with hearing loss?  British Sign Language (BSL) courses give you the opportunity to learn a dynamic new language, communicate with people in the vibrant Deaf community, and add to your employability skills.</p>

<p>We offer the following courses:</p>

<p>Introduction to British Sign Language will introduce you to basic signing and deaf awareness for absolute beginners.</p>

<p>British Sign Language Level 1 Award is if you already have basic skills and are ready to move on and gain a recognised qualification.</p>

<p>Introduction to BSL Level 2 introduces the features of BSL needed for you to progress from Level 1 to Level 2.</p>

<p>British Sign Language Level 2 is ideal if you already have level one skills and are ready to progress and gain a nationally recognised qualification.</p>

<p>Signing for Wellbeing promotes the therapeutic effects of engaging with a sign language class and this course is perfect if you are looking for ways to promote their health and wellbeing.</p>

<p>Signing in your Community introduces deaf awareness and signing, tailored to the needs of a local community.</p>

<p>Introduction to Deaf Awareness and Signing is a short course that can be delivered and tailored to the needs of the workplace, to help breakdown communication barriers with the Deaf community.</p>

<p>A Taster in Deaf Awareness and Signing are sessions where you will learn the basics of how-to breakthrough the communication barrier and have fun trying out some basic signing.</p>

<p>Family Signing – is ideal if you are interested in learning the basics of signing with your children or grandchildren in a community setting.</p>

<p>If you are a complete beginner, you don’t need anything but curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things to join the Introduction to British Sign Language, Signing for Wellbeing and any of our community courses. If you feel ready to progress to Levels 1 or 2, we will invite you to come for a starting points discussion to see which would be the right course for you to join. </p>

<ul>
<li>You will develop good communication skills and Deaf awareness.</li>
<li>You will develop skills that are highly valued by employers, voluntary and community organisations.</li>
<li>You will study in an adult environment with support from a dedicated Student Services Team.</li>
<li>All the teachers are experts in their subject, fully qualified and experienced.</li>
</ul>

<p>Most sessions will be delivered face-to-face.</p>

<p>There will be a variety of activities including signing in pairs, memory games to help you learn new vocabulary, watching video clips and role plays.  You will have access to bespoke online resources. You will also seek out opportunities to sign with other users of British Sign Language.</p>

<p>In addition, there may be online tutorials.</p>

<p>Learning Support is available if you have a learning disability, let us know on your application if you require support.</p>

<p>Assessment takes place throughout your study.  Regular monitoring of progress will help to identify any support you might need.</p>

<p>At beginners’ level your teacher will carry out an assessment at the end of your course. </p>

<p>At higher levels you will take practical exams that will be recorded and sent to the Signature examining board for assessment in order to gain their nationally recognised qualifications.</p>

<p>To be successful on any of these courses, you will need to attend the sessions and set aside some time outside of class to practice.</p>

<p>For many students the courses are free. Please contact Student Services to check eligibility.</p>

<p>You will need to supply your own writing materials such as pens, paper and folders but you may be able to loan laptops and MiFi to enable you to learn at home.</p>

<p>For information about support with travel or childcare costs, please contact Student Services on 01902 551658 or 01902 558180 or please email <a href="mailto:enquiries@aes.wolverhamptonn.gov.uk">enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk</a> to check eligibility.</p>

<p>On successful completion and achievement of your exams for the Level 1 Award or Level 2 Certificate, you will be awarded the appropriate level qualification certificate from the Signature awarding body.</p>

<p>At the end of our wellbeing and awareness courses you will get an in-house certificate of achievement.</p>

<p>You may want to progress through our British Sign Language courses for your own use at home, work or in the community.  If you progress to higher levels, there are the following employment opportunities associated with British Sign Language skills:</p>

<p>British Sign Language Interpreter (£ variable)</p>

<p>British Sign Language Teacher (£ variable)</p>

<p>Communication Support Worker (£18,000 to £24,000)</p>

<p>Frontline Service jobs, such as Paramedic (£25,655 to £39,027)</p>

<p>*Salary information is taken from the National Careers Service March 2024* </p>

<p>For further information or careers or educational advice, please contact our Student Gateway:</p>

<p>01902 558180 | <a href="mailto:enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk">enquiries@aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk</a> | <a href="http://www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk">www.aes.wolverhampton.gov.uk</a></p>