Deaf News: Positive steps in developing a GCSE in British Sign Language

On 31^st July, Signature met with Ofqual and the Department for Education (DfE) to discuss recent events around the development of a GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL).

The charity said:

We are pleased to announce that we will be preparing a proposal for the development of a GCSE in BSL. This is not a commitment from DfE and Ofqual to agree a future qualification but is hugely positive news. Signature would like to thank them both for the opportunity to meet with them and for helping us take a step in the right direction.

Signature firmly believes in the importance of deaf children being able to gain a GCSE qualification in their native language, and more young people being given the opportunity to learn BSL.

Despite initial setbacks, Signature were not detracted from their ongoing work to develop a GCSE in BSL, but instead chose to focus on refining and exploring the best ways in which to ultimately succeed in the future. Signature has previously piloted a secondary education qualification for 14-16 year olds in BSL on a national scale proving our dedication and commitment to making this happen.

Lindsay Foster, Executive Director at Signature said “The development of a GCSE in BSL is very close to our hearts here at Signature, so to see some positive steps in the right direction is really great. We are more than committed to working closely with organisations who can help us make this happen”.