Sign language GCSE hopes

GCSE proposed in British Sign Language

An Exeter school for deaf children has welcomed plans for British Sign Language to become a GCSE.

Exeter Deaf Academy says BSL - British Sign Language - should have the same status as other qualifications - and if it's taught in the same way as French or Spanish or German - it could help remove barriers and isolation for deaf young people.

Last month, a 12 year-old deaf boy, Daniel Jillings, got MPs to break a pledge not to introduce any new GSCEs in this parliament.

Exeter Deaf Academy, which is due to move to the former Rolle College site Exmouth in 2020, says signing is a beautiful, inclusive language that should be shared between deaf and hearing people. They say: "We feel it's important that both hearing and deaf young people have the option to learn BSL as a GCSE if they want to. We are often told that many young people - deaf and hearing - would like this option. They feel it's unfair that BSL doesn't have the same status in our mainstream education system as other languages such as French and Spanish. Exeter Deaf Academy is hugely passionate about removing barriers and isolation for deaf young people."

It's not yet confirmed when the exam will come in, but it will be available for all schools if they want to teach it.

Daniel Jillings, who is campaigning for the change, is raising funds for a legal challenge. His crowdfunding page is at: https://bit.ly/2M244jy