Free if you're on certain benefits or on a low income. Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council lists a fee of £192 if you're not eligible. Contact Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council for more info.
Level 1 British Sign Language Course in Halifax. Classes run at Calderdale Adult Learning, part-time during the day over 30 weeks. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances. If you're on unemployment-related benefits or low wages, a fee waiver may be available. This british sign language course teaches you to communicate with deaf people in everyday situations. You'll build vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills in BSL. The course suits people who are completely new to sign language, as well as those who have completed an introductory course. You'll need sufficient sight, manual dexterity, and facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.
Who this course is for
If you would like to communicate with deaf people in everyday situations using British Sign Language this course is a good place to start. It's suitable for you if you are completely new to BSL or move on from a Sign Language introductory course. You may be the parent, family member, friend or colleague of someone who is deaf, work on the front line of a service that comes into regular contact with deaf people or perhaps have an interest in a career in BSL/English interpreting. This course will build your skills for both producing and receiving BSL.
Entry requirements
You'll need sufficient sight, manual dexterity and facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL.
What you will learn
You'll learn to sign everyday vocabulary and phrases in BSL.
You'll develop an understanding of BSL grammar and sentence structure.
You'll practise having basic conversations with deaf people.
You'll learn to use facial expression and body movement as part of BSL communication.
You'll gain awareness of Deaf culture and community.
You'll build the foundation skills needed for further BSL study or work involving deaf people.
How you will learn
You'll learn through face-to-face classes at Calderdale Adult Learning. Sessions are practical and interactive, with activities focused on signing, receptive skills, and conversation. You'll be assessed through practical demonstration of your BSL skills. Assessment takes place in the classroom and is ongoing throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Calderdale Adult Learning will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Communication support worker. Assist deaf students or clients in education or care settings.
Teaching assistant. Support deaf or hearing-impaired pupils in school.
Customer-facing roles. Work in services that regularly support deaf people.
Care assistant. Communicate with deaf service users in health or social care.
BSL interpreter (trainee route). A starting point toward a career in BSL/English interpreting.
What you could study next
Level 2 Award in British Sign Language. The natural next step after Level 1, developing your signing fluency and range.
Level 3 Award in British Sign Language. Moves toward professional-level BSL use and is a step toward interpreter training.
NVQ or Diploma in Communication Support. For those working toward a role supporting deaf people in education or care settings.
