British Sign Language

Course overview

We are now offering the Level 2 British Sign Language course.

This 30-week Level 2 course is designed to develop communication in BSL about real life, routine, and daily experiences. You will be gain enough understanding of grammar to cope with some non-routine communication. Learners will be taught a number of regional variations in sign language.

The course will run on a Wednesday evening (6-9pm), at the college.

Achieving this qualification means that learners will be able to participate in longer and more varied conversations. The course will develop communication in BSL about real life, routine, and daily experiences.

Learners will be taught a number of regional variations in sign language.

• Entry Requirements
  • The course is aimed at 19+ adults
  • Learners must demonstrate competence in BSL at Level 1
  • BSL standards include requirements for learners to have sufficient sight, manual dexterity, facial and body movement to produce and receive BSL
• Benefits/Skills

  Studying at Level 2 BSL offers more than just a new way to talk; it opens doors socially and professionally.

  Meaningful Connection: You move from "survival" BSL to being able to hold genuine conversations about daily life, experiences, and interests with Deaf people.

  Boosted Career Prospects: BSL is a highly valued "soft skill" in public-facing roles (healthcare, education, retail, and emergency services).

  Cultural Awareness: Signature’s curriculum integrates Deaf Awareness, teaching you about Deaf culture, history, and the barriers the community faces.

  Brain Plasticity: Learning a visual-gestural language engages different parts of your brain than spoken languages, improving spatial awareness and memory.

• Who is this course for?

  The Signature Level 2 BSL course is designed for intermediate learners who have already mastered the basics and want to transition from "survival" communication to functional, real-world conversation.

  Specifically, the course is aimed at the following groups:

  Graduates of BSL Level 1

  This is the most common route. Most centers require you to hold a Signature Level 1 Certificate (or equivalent) before enrolling. It is the "logical next step" for those who want to build on their foundational knowledge of handshapes and basic word order.

  Family, Friends, and Colleagues of Deaf People

  If you are in regular contact with Deaf individuals, Level 2 provides the linguistic depth needed for more than just "small talk." It is aimed at people who need to:

  • Discuss daily routines and work-related tasks
  • Share opinions and explain complex feelings
  • Understand instructions and provide advice in BSL

  Aspiring Professionals

  Level 2 is the essential "gateway" for anyone considering a career in the Deaf sector. It is aimed at those who eventually want to become:

  • BSL/English Interpreters
  • Communication Support Workers (CSWs)
  • Teachers of the Deaf
  • Social workers or healthcare providers working within the Deaf community

  Native Signers Seeking Qualification

  Interestingly, the course is also aimed at Deaf individuals or CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults) who may be native signers but have never received a formal qualification in their language. It allows them to formalize their skills for employment or further education.

  Public Sector & Customer Service Workers

  Many organisations encourage staff in police, fire, NHS, or retail roles to take Level 2 so they can provide a higher level of service and safety to Deaf customers and service users

• Units/Modules

  The qualification is divided into three units, each of which can be achieved separately:

  • BSL201 - BSL Receptive Skills
  • BSL202 - BSL Productive
  • BSL203 - BSL Conversational

  In more detail:

  1. Linguistic Precision

  At this level, you move away from "English word order" and start mastering true BSL grammar, including:

  • Non-Manual Features (NMFs): Using facial expressions and mouth patterns to change the meaning or intensity of a sign
  • Placement and Space: Learning how to "set up" people or objects in the space around you to describe a scene clearly
  • Directional Verbs: Using a single movement to show who is doing what to whom (e.g., "I give to you" vs. "You give to me")

  2. Thematic Vocabulary

  You will learn to communicate across four specific themes:

  • Everyday Life: Family, routines, and home
  • Eating and Drinking: Ordering food, dietary requirements, and social events
  • Shopping and Services: Transactions, complaints, and navigating a city
  • Travel and Holidays: Booking trips, weather, and transport

  3. Receptive Understanding

  Level 2 trains your eyes to keep up with natural signing speeds. You’ll learn to pick out key information from a story or a set of instructions without needing every single sign translated in your head.

• Careers/Progression

  At Level 2, you are not yet qualified to be a full interpreter, but you can work in roles where BSL is a vital "support" tool:

  • Completing the Signature Level 2 BSL certificate is often described as the "bridge" between being a casual learner and a professional user. While it is equivalent to a GCSE grade 4-9 (A-C)*, it serves as the minimum entry requirement for most specialised careers in the Deaf sector.
  • Communication Support Assistant: You can assist Deaf students in primary or secondary schools, helping them navigate the school day and access learning materials
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teaching Assistant: Many SEN schools specifically look for Level 2 as a baseline for staff working with children who have hearing impairments
  • Personal Assistant (PA) or Care Worker: Working 1-on-1 with Deaf adults to help with daily living, medical appointments, or social activities
  • Customer Service / Public Sector: Your skills are a massive advantage in roles like the NHS (nursing/reception), Police, or Emergency Services, where being able to communicate with a Deaf person in a crisis is life-saving
• Assessment Types

  The qualification is divided into three units, each of which are assesseed via an exam:

  • BSL201 - BSL Receptive Skills
  • BSL202 - BSL Productive
  • BSL203 - BSL Conversational