British Sign Language
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Introduction to British Sign Language
If you don’t have time to commit to a full Level 1 course or just want to learn the basics, this introductory course is ideal.
This course is 20 hours (e.g. 10 sessions of 2 hours or 20 sessions of 1 hour via Zoom). At the end you can opt to take the Signature BSL101 assessment to gain a recognised qualification.
The course is suitable for individuals, workplaces and community organisations .
Learn the Basics
You will learn everyday essentials like; Fingerspelling, meeting and greeting, travel and directions, days and months, numbers and weather.
You will learn basic linguistics, such as how BSL uses a ‘topic-comment’ structure and how to construct a sentence. We will also explain the use of timelines and placement.
The ‘Introduction to Sign Language’ (Unit 101 of BSL Level 1) is perfect for workplaces, community organisations or groups of friends. We can tailor the course to match your needs and even include specialist vocabulary targeted to your workplace.
Group costs are dependent on location and size of group. Contact us for more information and a quote.
What next?
Students will join the first unit of the Level 1 course and at the end of the course take the Signature 101 assessment. Students can choose to stop there or carry on and complete a full Level 1 qualification.
See our Level 1 page for full information
Guildford Intro 101 Course
Dates: Wednesday, 7th February 2024 for 10 weeksTime: 6-8pmVenue: University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH
or
Zoom 101 Sessions – dates/times TBC
Fees:
£175 (includes £23 Signature assessment fee)
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Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language
This course is designed to give students a basic ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL in familiar day-to-day environments such as work, school or college, and social occasions.
Learn the BSL Basics
You will learn how to fingerspell, meet & greet, give and understand simple instructions, give directions and use numbers. You will learn how to discuss the weather, transport methods, interests and hobbies, family, food and drink and other basic everyday vocabulary.
You will learn basic BSL grammar structure e.g. how to ask questions and use placement.
This course is designed to give you a basic ability to communicate with Deaf people using BSL in day-to-day situations such as work, school or college and social occasions.
Course schedule
Weekly teaching sessions. Occasional 1 to 1 feedback tutorials via Zoom. In addition you will need to do homework and practice outside of the lessons to get the most out of the course.
Course units
The Signature Level 1 qualification consists of 3 units and an assessment for each unit.
The three units are:
- BSL101 – Introduction to BSL
- BSL102 – Conversational BSL
- BSL103 –Communicate in BSL about Everyday Life
Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insufficient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!Woking BSL Level 1 Courses
Saturday, 19th October 2024
Date: Saturday, 21st October 2023 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom Sessions and 3 assessments /online via Zoom dependant on student intake.
Time: 10am -12.00pm
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Rd, Woking, Surrey GU21 4LH/Online via Zoom dependant on student intake
Teacher: Paul Dench
Guildford, University of Surrey
BSL Level 1 Course
Date: Wednesdays, starting on 7th February 2024 until 25th September 2024 – plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom or Face to Face Sessions and 3 assessments /online via Zoom dependant on student intake
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
Teacher: Paul Dench/Freelance Teachers
Online BSL Level 1 Course available on Tuesdays from 6th February 2024 to 24th September 2024
Tuesday BSL Level 1 Online Dates
Woking BSL Level 1 Courses
Thursday, 17th October 2024
Date: Thursdays, 16th October 2024- May 2025 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom Sessions & 3 Assessments/online via Zoom dependent on student intake
Time: 6pm -8pm
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Rd, Woking, Surrey GU21 4LH
Teacher: Paul Dench
What our Level 1 students say
I am learning BSL because my son, who is now 4, was born deaf and I want our whole family to be able to sign with him as well as speak. I am enjoying learning something new as well as meeting people on the course, our group is very friendly! Most challenging is remembering new signs, especially the ones which aren’t visual, but our teacher Paul helps us feel confident. – Claire
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Signature Level 2 Certificate in British Sign Language
Do you want to progress to the next level and improve your BSL fluency? Then Level 2 is for you. You will increase your understanding of BSL, acquire more vocabulary and develop your skills.
Qualification aim
This Level 2 Certificate qualification in British Sign Language (BSL) is designed to enable learners to develop their skills to communicate with Deaf people using BSL.
Qualification structure
This BSL qualification is divided into three units – 201, 202 & 203.
The qualification has 4 themes:
- Theme 1 – Everyday conversation
- Theme 2 – Eating and Drinking
- Theme 3 – Spending and Shopping
- Theme 4: Travel and Holidays
Course Schedule
Weekly teaching sessions (2 hours) and 3 Assessments
Occasional 1 to 1 feedback tutorials via Zoom
In addition you will need to do homework and practice outside of the lessons to get the most of the course.
Online BSL Level 2 Course available from 19th October 2024
Guildford University of Surrey
BSL Level 2 Course
Date: Tuesdays from 16th October 2024 to July 2025 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom sessions before the assessments.
Time: 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
Teacher: Paul Dench/Freelance Teachers
Woking BSL Level 2 Course
Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024 to July 2025 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom sessions before the assessments.
Time: 10am -12.30pm
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Road Woking GU21 4LH
Teacher: Paul Dench/Freelance Teachers
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Pre-Level 3 British Sign Language Course
This informal course is great for students wanting to improve their BSL vocabulary, grammar, conversation and receptive skills.
Extending your learning –
Our highly qualified teachers will work through various topics to develop your skills. You will be involved in interactive group work and video practice. You will be given allocated individual tuition and feedback sessions.
We recommend you keep up to date with Deaf News and TV. Please look at The Limping Chicken and BSL Zone as well as other Deaf organisations, charities and social media.
Recommended learning text; The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 05216371
Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insufficient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor Pre-Level 3 BSL Course
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford Surrey
GU2 7XHDate: 9th October 2023 for 10 weeks
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan
Resources
Venue: Lecture Theatre J, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH
We are now taking enquiries for this online course.
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Signature Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language
You will learn how to use and understand a variety of BSL in a range of work and social situations. You will develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of BSL and a greater understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture.
Level 3 is ideal for those who want to progress and study at an advanced level to become CSW’s, Teachers of the Deaf and Language Service Professionals.
This qualification is also suitable for Deaf BSL users who would like to achieve a qualification in their first language.
Why learn BSL Level 3 with Dot?
Through fun interactive classes you will learn to demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 3.
Unit assessments may cover any of the following topics;
- Home Life
- Social/Recreational Activities
- Education, Training and
Employment - Consumer Issues and Daily Living
- Deaf History and Culture
Assessments = A formal presentation and informal conversation and receptive skills (DVD.)
The course will include classroom teaching, Zoom online sessions, feedback and 1:1 tuition as required.
Resources: We recommend you keep up to date with Deaf News and TV. Please look at The Limping Chicken and BSL Zone as well as other Deaf organisations, charities and social media.
Recommended learning text; The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718X
Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insufficient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!
BSL Level 3 Course, University of Surrey, Guildford
Dates: Mondays, 15th October 2024 – July 2025 plus additional 1 to 1 Zoom Feedback sessions
Time: 6pm -8.30pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford Surrey GU2 7XH
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan/Freelance Teachers
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor Course Information & Informal Interview – Contact us to arrange a Zoom meeting.
If you are not a current Dot Sign Language student and are interested in joining our Level 3 course you will need an interview with Kathleen to assess your signing and receptive skills. This is a requirement of all BSL teaching centres by Signature.
The course information and interviews will be by Zoom video conferencing. Kathleen Grehan – Director of Dot Sign Language, will explain the aim, content and assessment methods of this course. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
What our Level 3 students are saying…
“Studying BSL Level 3 (Signature) with Dot Sign Language was a highly enjoyable and enriching experience for me.
Though a challenging step up, it was great to gain more in depth knowledge about the Deaf community, it’s culture and history.
The passion and patience of my teacher Kathleen helped and encouraged me throughout the year immensely. I can wholeheartedly recommend this course.”
Daniela Totten – Dot Sign Language Level 3 and Level 6 graduate.
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Signature Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language
The Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) is for students who have already gained competence in British Sign Language at Level 3.
This course is for you if you are interested in developing your skills and knowledge so you can work with Deaf people (e.g. teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools) You will expand your knowledge and skills in British Sign Language and of Deaf culture.
What will I learn?
You will develop both your receptive and productive BSL skills. You will cover six topics which make up this qualification.
To achieve the full Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language students must achieve the following units.
- Employment and Business
- Education
- Health and Wellbeing
- Society and Politics
- Science and Technology
- Media and Culture
The course will include face to face group classroom teaching, Zoom online sessions, feedback and 1:1 tuition as required.
Resources: We recommend you keep up to date with Deaf News and TV. Please look at The Limping Chicken and BSL Zone as well as other Deaf organisations, charities and social media.
Recommended learning text; The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718X
Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insufficient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!
BSL Level 4 Course – based at University of Surrey, Guildford
Date: Tuesdays, 16th October 2024 – July 2025 plus 1-1 Feedback Online Sessions (Zoom)
Time: 6pm – 8.30pm
Venue: Surrey of University, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Teacher: Kathleen Grehan
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Signature Level 6 Certificate in British Sign Language
Focusing on fluent BSL skills and knowledge of Deaf culture, you will be able to use and understand complex BSL in all types of social and professional interactions.
You will also be able to participate in discussions, conversations and debates as well as prepare monologues and presentations, demonstrating language skills (equivalent to an undergraduate degree in Modern Languages).
Qualification Structure
In addition to guided learning hour you will be expected to do at least 180 hours of home study / work using BSL.
Topics covered include:
- Medicine
- Education
- Employment and Business
- Finance
- Politics and Law
- Society
- Media
- Science and Technology
The course will include classroom teaching, Zoom online sessions, feedback and 1:1 tuition as required.
Resources: We recommend you keep up to date with Deaf News and TV. Please look at The Limping Chicken and BSL Zone as well as other Deaf organisations, charities and social media.
Recommended learning text; The Linguistics of British Sign language: An Introduction, by Rachel Sutton Spence.
ISBN-13: 978-0521637183 / ISBN-10: 052163718X
Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insufficient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!
BSL Level 6 Course – based at University of Surrey, Guildford
Date: Saturday, 13th April 2024 and then alternative Saturdays until April 2025
April 2024 Timetable Dates Level 6
Day and Time: Alternate Saturdays – 10am – 4pm plus the 1-1 Feedback Zoom or Face to Face Sessions
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan & Freelance Teachers
Venue: University of Surrey, Guilford, Surrey GU2 7X
Kathleen Grehan - Tutor Course Information & Informal Interview – Contact us to arrange a Zoom meeting.
Kathleen Grehan – Director of Dot Sign Language, will explain the aim, content and assessment methods of this course. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions.
If you are not a current Dot Sign Language student and are interested in joining our Level 6 course you will need an interview with Kathleen to assess your signing and receptive skills. This is a requirement of all BSL teaching centres by Signature.
The course information and interviews will be by Zoom video conferencing.
The session and interview is free of charge. Please let us know your current BSL standard / qualifications.
Zoom timeslot to be arranged on booking (contact us)
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BSL 1 to 1 Tutorials
Our 1 to 1 sessions are fun, informal and informative and will be arranged at a time and place to suit you.
Why learn BSL with our tutors?
Our fully qualified native BSL tutors will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and develop your BSL skills.
Through these intensive sessions you will see a rapid improvement in your BSL knowledge and skills, making you a more effective communicator.
We work with you to devise an individual learning plan with goals you will work towards with your tutor.
Just one session can help to boost your progression, brush-up your skills or prepare for an approaching assessment.
