British Sign Language

Open the door to a new way of communicating and start building the skills to connect with Deaf people in everyday situations through British Sign Language (BSL). This accredited Level 1 Award course is a practical and rewarding introduction to one of the UK’s most widely used sign languages. 

Delivered weekly across the academic year, this course is ideal for anyone who wants to develop a basic ability to understand and use BSL in real-life contexts, from simple conversations to everyday interactions. 

Alongside classroom learning, you’ll be expected to complete independent study to help you build confidence, fluency, and recall, supporting your progress throughout the year. 

What you’ll learn 

You will develop the skills needed to communicate in BSL on familiar topics and everyday activities, gradually building your vocabulary and confidence over time. 

By the end of the course, you will be able to: 

• Understand instructions and guidance using simple, commonly used expressions 
• Respond appropriately to instructions and information received 
• Express yourself clearly in British Sign Language (BSL) in everyday situations 
• You will also prepare for the three Level 1 assessments (101, 102, and 103), which are required to achieve the award. Full assessment guidance will be provided by your tutor throughout the course. 

Highlights 

• Accredited Level 1 Award in British Sign Language 
• Suitable progression from Introduction to BSL or equivalent experience 
• Build practical communication skills for everyday situations 
• Develop confidence interacting with Deaf people and the Deaf community 
• Weekly structured learning across the academic year 
• Supportive progression towards formal assessment 
• Welcoming environment to learn and grow 

Anything else? 

To enrol on this course, learners must have either successfully completed an Introduction to BSL course or passed a relevant assessment. Please contact Student Services for further information if you are unsure about eligibility. 

Learners are encouraged to take part in local Deaf association activities to strengthen and apply their skills in real-world settings. Regular practice outside the classroom is essential for success and confidence development. 

Please bring an A4 binder to organise handouts and learning materials. 

In some cases, if enrolment numbers are low across Cheltenham and Gloucester, groups may be merged and classes delivered at the most suitable campus based on student numbers. 

Taking part in our evening classes provides more than just the opportunity to learn new skills. It can help reduce stress, build confidence, encourage social connection, and support personal growth, making it a rewarding and valuable experience both personally and practically.