Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language (Sep23)

Course Aim

The Level 3 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) meets the learning needs of those who already have competence in BSL at Level 2 and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge. Successful learners must be able to demonstrate competence at Level 3 of the UK Occupational Language Standards (Instructus 2012). This means that the learner will be able to understand and use varied BSL in a range of work and social situations.

The learner will develop an advanced knowledge of the structure and function of British Sign Language and an understanding of the Deaf Community and Deaf Culture.

The assessment criteria is taken from the UK Occupational Language Standards at Level 3 (‘Varied’ language use). They are equivalent to those for Modern Foreign Languages at AS and A2 level. The qualification is at Level 3 on the Qualification & Credit Framework (RQF), Advanced Level on the Language Ladder, and Level B2 on the Common European Framework (CEFR). Application of these standards have been applied to the units within the qualification.

Course Structure

Candidates must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 3, and in all of the six topics that make up this qualification. Assessments may cover any of the topics listed in this qualification.

The natural context of using BSL is in two-way interactions (discussions, conversations, debates etc.), as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations etc.). The candidate is therefore expected to demonstrate receptive and productive skills in both two-way and one- way interactions. Signature recommends the best approach to teaching and assessing this qualification is by covering both receptive and productive skills together.

Course Objectives

Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed in order to be able to operate independently and at an advanced level in the target language. It is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (for example social workers, teachers of the Deaf, communicators, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc), those who aspire to work in these contexts, and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.