Background

The British Sign Language (BSL) Curriculum Working Group’s journey towards establishing a comprehensive BSL Curriculum for Primary and Secondary schools began with a collaborative effort involving the Sign Bilingual Consortium (SBC) during the summer of 2017. Recognising the need for a structured curriculum encompassing the linguistic features, historical context and cultural significance of BSL, our goal has been to ensure every Deaf child receives quality education, as is their right, utilising sign language. This initiative is equally significant for those learning sign language as a second language.

Initiating our plans in January 2018, we embarked on a 5-year journey, and we are thrilled that our efforts have culminated in the completion of a curriculum spanning Early Years Foundation Stage (Nursery) to Key Stage 4 (Year 11), ready for nationwide implementation from 2023.