Britain (Commonwealth)_Great news for students in the UK as British Sign Language (BSL) will soon be offered as a GCSE following a consultation on the course content. This new qualification recognizes the importance of effective communication both in and outside of the workplace, providing students with valuable life skills highly valued by employers. The introduction of the BSL GCSE is in part thanks to the tireless efforts of 17-year-old Daniel Jillings, who has campaigned for this qualification since the age of 12.
The BSL GCSE curriculum will include the teaching of approximately 1,000 signs, enabling students to communicate effectively with other signers in various work, social, and academic settings. The course is designed to be accessible for students without any prior knowledge of BSL while still catering to those who use it as their first language. Extensive collaboration with subject experts, stakeholders, exam boards, and schools has ensured that the proposed content aligns with international standards and will be recognized and accepted in school and college performance tables.
To ensure the development of an inclusive and comprehensive curriculum, views are being sought from teachers, employers, and both the deaf and hearing communities. The consultation seeks input on language skills to be studied as well as the role of history in the curriculum. The finalization of the curriculum will be based on the feedback received during the consultation process. The BSL GCSE is expected to be available for teaching in schools from September 2025. Although the qualification has been in development since 2019, the pandemic caused delays. The process of developing specifications, reviewing and accrediting them by Ofqual, and providing schools and colleges with sufficient time for preparation necessitates the 2025 implementation date.
With the recognition of British Sign Language as a language of Great Britain in the BSL Act (2022), the introduction of the BSL GCSE is a significant step towards inclusivity in education. Studying BSL equips students with the ability to express and negotiate meaning through visual-spatial language, communication, and visual memory skills. These skills will benefit students throughout their lives. Additionally, the GCSE will provide students with an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK, establishing a solid foundation for their comprehension of the language’s development.
Who Can Take the BSL GCSE? The BSL GCSE is open to students of all ages, who can choose to take it through their school or college or as private candidates.
While studying BSL is not currently part of the National Curriculum, schools have the flexibility to teach BSL to their students if they wish. Although it remains optional, the introduction of the BSL GCSE is expected to encourage more schools to offer the subject more widely. The introduction of the BSL GCSE marks a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and recognizing the importance of effective communication for all students. This historic qualification will equip students with valuable skills that will benefit them personally and professionally. Through collaboration and consultation, the curriculum is being developed to meet international standards and cater to the needs of the deaf and hearing communities. The BSL GCSE is a testament to the efforts of individuals like Daniel Jillings and signifies a positive step towards a more inclusive education system in the UK.
