New guidance has been developed to help schools use British Sign Language (BSL) in their curriculum design. It is available to view now in draft, and the consultation on its contents runs until 29th March.
BSL could be taught as a third or subsequent language, like French or German, as part of a school’s curriculum for all children, as well as BSL provision for deaf and hard of hearing children.
As featured on this blog in December, the guidance will:
‘ …show how BSL can contribute to learners’ development towards all four purposes of the curriculum. It can, for example, encourage learners to step beyond familiar cultural boundaries and develop new ways of expressing and negotiating meaning in an inclusive deaf and hearing global society, addressing issues such as disability rights, minority languages, recognition of BSL and communication through technology. The additional guidance offers an opportunity to develop provision in the context of wider education reforms in Wales, such as equity, well-being, teaching and leadership.’
Your views are welcomed.
A BSL version of the consultation is available on YouTube.
Also see: Instructions for submitting BSL consultation response.