Lunchtime Sign Language Club

A lunchtime Sign Language Club for students and staff aims to promote inclusivity and diversity within the school community by offering the opportunity to learn the basics of British Sign Language, as well as to communicate with each other in a unique and meaningful way.

The club meets every Thursday lunchtime led by Miss Daniel who is fluent in BSL, with sessions designed to be fun and interactive, helping students and staff to remember the signs and gestures in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The aim of Sign Language Club not just about learning a new skill; it's about promoting understanding and acceptance within the School community. These sessions help students and staff to gain some awareness of the Deaf Community, their culture and language. British Sign Language has it's own grammatical structures and rules to follow, in exactly the same way as spoken foreign languages. So, students are taught and supported to learn these grammar rules as well as vocabulary and all whilst having some fun along the way. 

In a world where barriers are still prevalent for Deaf and adults, children and young people, it is important to raise awareness and provide staff and students with the skills to make adaptations and promote inclusive thinking as they attend school and then later as they enter the world of work. 

Deaf awareness week is May 6 –12. The National Deaf Children’s Society has provided some useful advice for communicating with deaf children, so even if you don’t know sign language, you can still reduce the barriers to communication.