My Level 6 BSL course
My Level 6 BSL course
When I teach British Sign Language, I always aim to promote the highest standards. One way I achieve this is through my own professional development. This is why I began my Level 6 British Sign Language course in September 2021.
As a native British Sign Language user, I wanted to obtain a formal qualification to demonstrate my language proficiency. The course also delved into the theory behind the language, encouraging a deeper understanding.
The course also covered many topics, such as different aspects of language development, grammar, and the use of formal and informal language.
Eight topics are covered in the various discussions: medicine, education, employment and business, finance, politics and law, society, media and science and technology. This range of topics encourages the use of a wide range of vocabulary, and an important part of the course was broadening your vocabulary and sharing new signs. I also researched new signs online by watching videos on YouTube.
The taught part of the course is just part of it, and it involved a lot of self-directed time to further develop your BSL skills.
We were assessed in two ways: through a practical assessment of our British Sign Language skills and by submitting a written portfolio.
As a deaf person, I found the course very challenging. My first language is British Sign Language, and I wasn’t taught English to a very high standard. When I attended the induction, it was a lot of information to take in. When I first received my folder and saw how much English jargon was included in it, I found it a little overwhelming. After that, an interpreter supported me with the English side of the qualification, and I found it easier with that additional support.
I had to complete six units to achieve my level 6 qualification in British Sign Language, and had initially hoped to be able to achieve that in July, so I could enjoy my summer without any coursework to complete. In the end, I completed it in September and felt a huge sense of relief. It was quite an emotional experience. My friend recognised my achievement and treated me to a meal to celebrate. I was awarded my certificate on 1st October and was very proud.
I am happy teaching in the knowledge that I have the qualification; it’s a nice feeling.
I have no further language qualifications to achieve in British Sign Language, but I will continue to engage in CPD to improve my knowledge and teaching skills. I have recently undertaken online courses in ADHD, Autism, Asperger’s, and Dyslexia in order to help me better understand the needs of my students with additional needs and provide them with the tailored support they need to be successful.
Join me for my next blog, when I will talk about how interpreting has partly gone online since the Covid pandemic, and I will discuss the pros and cons of remote interpreting.