Our Courses
Showing all 12 results
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Signature Assessment Resit Session
For anyone who needs to re-sit a Signature BSL Level 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 assessment we can arrange targeted practise sessions. Duration:
The number of sessions you need will depend on the number of units you need to re-sit. It will also depend on your signing skills and experience.
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Taster Sessions
Wouldn’t it be good if you could communicate using British Sign Language (BSL)? We all use gestures as part of everyday language, think about how many times you’ve waved to someone to say ‘Hi’. So why not learn how to really communicate with people who use BSL. This quick and simple taster session is great for people who work in customer facing roles or who just want to find out a bit more.
Start Learning BSL
This taster session is interactive and informal. Come and learn some BSL signs that you can share and practise with family, friends and work colleagues.
We will introduce you to some every day essentials that will help you with basic BSL conversations. They include;
- Meeting and greeting
- Fingerspelling
- Directions and travel
- Numbers, days and months
Following on from this session, you may wish to join the Introductory course (unit 101) or the full BSL Level 1 Award course to gain a nationally recognised qualification.
These sessions are likely to be booked up quickly. We will confirm dates and times upon receiving your booking.
“Very insightful to learn about Deaf culture. Very friendly.”
“Challenging – in an exciting and rewarding way.”
“Fascinating. Helped being and informal small group.”
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Test with Instalments and Variations
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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: Wednesdays, 5th October 2022 – 7th Dec 2022Time: 6-8pmVenue: United Reformed Church, 83 Portsmouth Road, GU2 4BS
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
BSL Level 1 Course Full Specification.
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!Guildford BSL Level 1 Course
Date: Mondays – 19th September – 8th May 2023 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom sessions before the assessments
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
No Classes:
- 3 Half Terms
- 19th December – 23rd January
- Easter Holidays
Venue: United Reformed Church, 83 Portsmouth Road, GU2 4BS
Teacher: Paul Dench
Woking BSL Level 1 Courses
Date: Thursdays, 22nd September 2022 – 11th May 2023 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom Sessions
Time: 6pm -8pm
Dates: Saturdays, 24th September 2022 -13th May 2023 plus 1 to 1 Feedback Zoom Sessions
Time: 10am to 12.30pm
No Classes:
- 3 Half Terms
- 19th December – 23rd January
- Easter Holidays
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.
What will I learn?
On a Level 2 course you will learn about BSL grammar, placement, non-manual features and timelines in more detail. Alongside vocabulary you will start to learn about basic linguistics.
As well as classroom hours you will be expected to use resources e.g. online BSL dictionaries and websites, and practise at home. Extra support is given where needed so everyone has the best possible chance of gaining the qualification.
Course structure
The Signature course consists of 3 units and 3 assessments:
- BSL201 BSL Receptive Skills
- BSL202 BSL Productive Skills
- BSL203 BSL Conversational Skills
BSL Level 2 Course Full Specification
The total number of credits for this qualification is 15. There are 5 credits for each of the units BSL201, BSL202 and BSL203.
The Level 2 course consist of 90 hours of guided learning time (including assessment time) and 50 hours of additional study which includes private study, homework and practice etc. For smaller groups we will condense the course as you will receive more individual attention and intensive training.Dot Sign Language makes every effort to ensure that courses are run as advertised. However, a course may be cancelled if insuffient students enrol, so please do not delay in signing up!
BSL Level 2 Course – Guildford
Date: Tuesdays, 20th September 2022- 27th June 2023 plus 1 to 1 Zoom Feedback Sessions
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Guildford United Reformed Church, 83 Portsmouth Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 4BS
Teacher: Paul Dench
BSL Level 2 Course – Woking
Date: Saturdays, 24th September 2022- 29th June 2023 plus 1 to 1 Zoom Feedback Sessions
Time: 10am-12pm
Venue: Trinity Methodist Church, Brewery Rd, Woking, Surrey GU21 4LH
Teacher: Paul Dench
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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!
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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.
Level 3 Qualification Specification
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, 12th September 2022 – 31st July 2023 plus additional 1 to 1 Zoom Feedback sessions
Time: 6pm -8.30pm
Venue: University of Surrey, Guildford Surrey
GU2 7XHTeachers: 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.
Signature BSL Level 4 Course Specification 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.
Signature Level 4 Qualification Specification
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, 13th September 2022-1st August 2023 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
Signature BSL Level 6 Course Specification
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: 17th September 2022- 27th July 2023
Day and Time: Alternate Saturdays – 10am – 3pm plus the 1-1 Feedback Zoom Sessions
Teachers: Kathleen Grehan & Freelance Teachers
Venue: Surrey of Surrey, Guilford, Surrey GU2 7XH
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.
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Deaf Awareness Training
Our face to face and online workshops are a great way to understand and discuss issues that affect Deaf people both internally and externally to your organisation.
Our sessions are fun, engaging and interactive creating team building opportunities and Inclusion and Diversity knowledge.
Package 1: BSL/DA Taster
Suitable for smaller groups and delivered live online, this one hour session gives a good basic grounding in British Sign Language and Deaf Awareness.
We’ll cover:
- Deaf facts
- Communication tips
- Accessibility for deaf people
- Lipreading and Non Manual Features
- Fingerspelling and basic BSL tuition
- Q+A
Package 3: Executive DA
We deliver a running programme to your organisation over a period of time tailoring the programme specifically to organisational Inclusion and Diversity Strategies.
We will cover Deaf awareness information relevant to internal and external organisational stakeholders and we will teach attendees fingerspelling and BSL.
Topics included are as follows;- Deaf Awareness Facts
- Communication Tips
- Employing and working with Deaf People
- Equality Act and Access to Work
- Accessibility for Deaf colleagues and customers
Package 2: Standard DA
This session can be delivered live online or at a place to suit you (London and Surrey) over a period of three weeks in hourly sessions or throughout a morning or afternoon for up to 20 people.
In these sessions we will cover Deaf Awareness topics and fingerspelling and BSL tuition – introducing topics covered in unit 101 of our Signature BSL Level 1 course.
Specialist vocabulary and content can be tailored to the needs of participants and organisation.
Introduction to Sign Language – ‘Unit 101’ Signature Course
Following our taster courses, you can further your Sign Language skills by completing our short 10 – 20 week ‘Introduction to Sign Language’ course.
This is the first unit of the Level 1 Award in BSL.
Click here for more information.
Course Delivery
Our courses are delivered by our professional and experienced tutors who are Deaf BSL users.
Our tutors will deliver the sessions in BSL – so you can immerse yourselves in sign language. A BSL interpreter will be present to provide translation and voiceover support.
Some of The Organisations We’ve Worked With
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