BSL Courses

Learn and qualify in BSL Levels 1, 2, 3 and 6.

What is BSL?

British Sign Language (BSL) is an officially recognised language, with its own grammatical structure. As a student progresses through each level, they will gain competency and skill in the production and reception of BSL. As a student progresses further, they will also begin to develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of British Sign Language as well as an understanding of the Deaf community and Deaf culture. This can open up a range of employment opportunities to work with Deaf people.

Signature is the leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK. They have been in existence since 1982 and have supported over 400,000 learning sign language. Signature qualifications are nationally recognised and accredited by Ofqual (The Office of the Qualification and Examinations Regulator). Signature is a professional registration body.

BSL Courses

Level 1

Communicate with Deaf people in BSL using simple, everyday language terms.

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Level 2

Developing communication skills in BSL by applying it to everyday situations.

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Level 3

Communicate in covering six different themes.

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BSL Courses in Levels 1, 2 and 3

Level 1

Communicate with Deaf people in BSL using simple, everyday language terms.

Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (BSL) is designed to enable learners to communicate with Deaf people in BSL. A range of topics is studied that involve simple, everyday language use. This Level 1 course provides an introduction to BSL and is suitable for all learners.

Every Autumn, Al Isharah will be providing a 30-week intensive course, taught face to face, by a deaf teacher. A range of topics will be taught including how to communicate when meeting people, using numbers, weather, conversational BSL at home, getting around at work or in college.

The course is divided into three units and candidates are required to pass all units to gain the qualification.

The units include the following topics:

BSL 101 Introduction to BSL – meeting people, using numbers, weather, transport and directions

BSL 102 Conversational BSL – at home, people, animals and objects, using numbers, interests and activities

BSL 103 BSL at School, College or Work – getting around, exchanging information, refreshments, and using numbers

All assessments will take place during class times. There are three exams, one covering each unit. After successfully completing the course and passing all modules, you will be issued with a Level 1 certificate by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK.

Please fill in the form below to enrol to our BSL Course and the team will get in contact with you.

This is a beginners course so there is NO requirement of prior knowledge of BSL. BSL competence standards do however include requirements for candidates to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.

Day: Every Monday* evenings
*Subject to teachers availability

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
Duration: 30 weeks

The fees for the full course is £595 including exam fees charged by Signature for certification. The payment can be paid in an agreed installment. Please note, payment is non refundable.

Level 2

Developing communication skills in BSL by applying them to everyday situations.

Signature Level 2 Award in British Sign Language (BSL) is designed to enable learners to develop their skills to communicate with Deaf people using BSL in a range of everyday situations. The course will develop communication in BSL about real life, routine, and daily experiences.

The course is divided into three units and candidates are required to pass all units to gain the Signature qualification.

BSL 201 – Receptive skills

This unit covers topics linked to meeting deaf people. You will learn how to receive and understand specific information and instructions, and how to understand descriptions, explanations and statements.

BSL 202 – develops your productive skills

This unit covers topics to help you when signing with a deaf person. You will learn how to use simple structures and phrases and use BSL appropriate to the context of the discussion.

BSL 203 – develops your conversational skills

This unit covers topics to help you converse with a deaf person. You will learn how to understand routine questions and responses, requests and views and understand the main points of routine conversations.

There are four themes which run throughout this qualification:

  • Everyday Conversation

  • Eating and Drinking

  • Shopping and Spending

  • Travel and Holidays

You will study the theme ‘Everyday Conversation’, and two from the remaining three themes.

All assessments will take place during class times. After successfully completing the course and passing all modules, you will be issued with a Level 2 certificate by Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for deaf communication qualifications in the UK.

Please fill in the form below to enrol to our BSL Course and the team will get in contact with you.

Applicants must have completed their level 1 in BSL and provide proof of their certificate. An assessment may be required for applicants who have done their level 1 in other institutes.

Day: Every Thursday* evenings
*Subject to teachers availability

Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30pm
Duration: 30 weeks

The fees for the full course is £795 including exam fees (not including retakes) charged by Signature for certification. The payment can be paid in an agreed instalment. Please note, payment is non refundable.

Level 3

Communicate in covering six different themes.

Signature Level 3 Award in British Sign Language (BSL) is designed to enable learners to communicate in covering six themes: home life, social activities, education and training, employment, consumer issues and daily living and Deaf history and culture.

The Level 3 BSL course is made up of three units and you must pass all three units in order to achieve the Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language qualification.

Assessments take place during normal class time and the assessment fees are included in the course price.

Assessment 1 – Formal presentation

This assessment is a formal presentation with your teacher. The presentation will focus on a topic title provided by Signature.

Assessment 2 – Informal conversation

This assessment is an informal conversation between you and your teacher. The conversation will focus on a topic title provided by Signature.

This unit will give you the skills to use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations. You will develop your ability to take part in, and lead, one-to-one and group discussions.

Assessment 3 – Receptive skills

The receptive clip will be approximately 10 minutes long and will be split into 3 parts. Part 1 will have one person signing on screen. Part 2 will have a different person signing on screen. Part 3 both people will have a conversation on screen.

Please fill in the form below to enrol to our BSL Course and the team will get in contact with you.

Applicants must have completed their level 2 in BSL and provide proof of their certificate. An assessment is required for all applicants.

Day: Every Thursday* evenings
*Subject to teachers availability

Time: 6:00 pm to 9:00pm
Duration: 44 weeks

The fees for the full course is £1139 including exam fees (not including retakes) charged by Signature for certification. The payment can be paid in an agreed instalment. Please note, payment is non refundable.