This week in the UK, the Department for Education announced that schools will be able to offer BSL (British Sign Language) to students from 2025. This is a hugely positive step forward, not only for the d/Deaf and hearing loss community but also for their families and anyone seeking a career in most industries. However, right now there is still much work to be done to get it to fruition.

I read the announcement with a mix of emotions. Delighted for the changes planned ahead, but also reflective of my own youth and how I didn’t have access to sign language or a fair ‘playing field’ when it came to the curriculum – with it being mandatory to learn another language. Such a difficult task to learn a language orally / audibly when you’re deaf! I understand that learning BSL will not form part of the National Curriculum, which means it will be down to individual schools / authorities and currently limited resources to offer this. I truly hope there is a HUGE uptake!

British Sign Language was recognised in law as an official language of Great Britain in the BSL Act (2022). The new British Sign Language GCSE qualification will help with inclusivity in education and so much more. Families and individuals will be better connected and there will be less language deprivation. There is also shortage of BSL interpreters and coupled with the expected rising figures for hearing loss in the future, we need the general public and all service providers to be better informed in BSL so that access and inclusivity can move forward and costs can reduce.

 The Government Education Hub writes:
“The BSL GCSE has been in development since 2019 but was delayed due to the pandemic”. It also credits “17 year old Daniel Jillings, who has campaigned for the qualification since the age of 12.”

Read more here: BSL GCSE: Everything you need to know – The Education Hub (blog.gov.uk)

Public consultation details: GCSE British Sign Language: proposed subject content

So, finally we are one step closer here in the UK. There are lots of reasons why so many people cannot sign, even if they’re d/Deaf (exposure, cost, disability, deafened later in life) and offering this at school level will improve the lives of many. Other students may go on to work in education, healthcare, service industries, entertainment and so on – even if they do not later pursue BSL as a second language. For example, many years on despite my difficulties learning a foreign language, I could at least, still use that old knowledge to greet someone and ask them how they are – and so often that is the best place to start.

If you are d/Deaf or have hearing loss, we welcome everyone in our deaf community at Deaf Club. Whether you use one of many sign languages or whether you speak, if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, our community is diverse and fosters real connections internationally as we all work together to live our own lives to the full. You can join us here – Deaf Club. We look forward to meeting you!