The British Sign Language Award at SCQF level 5 has been designed to appeal to both hearing and deaf learners. This Award will help learners to develop their language skills and enable them to communicate with British Sign Language (BSL) users in various contexts. Learners will also develop their understanding of how sign languages work, and how they differ from spoken and written languages.
This Award will help learners develop the following language competences: receptive skills, productive skills, conversation skills and knowledge of sign linguistics. At SCQF level 5, learners will also have the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history and development of British Sign Language and the Deaf Community in Scotland and beyond.
For learners who already use British Sign Language, the award will help them develop their ability to communicate clearly, think critically and to use their own language creatively. Those taking the SCQF level 5 award will also gain a deeper insight into the history and cultural heritage of British Sign Language.
Achievement of this Award is nationally recognised.
This qualification is available through schools, colleges, community organisations and volunteer-involving organisations.
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Why deliver this qualification
This Award has a wide potential market. It is open to all learners, regardless of age, academic experience or ability.
Centres have the flexibility to choose the delivery method which best suits their circumstances and their learners.
The Award can be used to offer a progression pathway to other qualifications (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The British Sign Language Award at SCQF level 5 is suitable for:
S3-S6 pupils
school leavers
college students
adult returners to education
anyone in a volunteering role
trainees preparing for employment
employees studying as part of a continuing professional development programme
individuals involved in voluntary activities
people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
those who wish to start their own business
Access
Entry to the award is at the discretion of the centre. Centres can decide an appropriate starting level for each learner, based on the learner's existing knowledge and experience of British Sign Language and/or learning across other languages. However, some previous knowledge and interest in British Sign Language may be an advantage.
Progression
Awards in BSL
The Award may provide progression to:
Award title
Award code
SCQF level
Award type
British Sign Language
GP3L 43
3
AWD
British Sign Language
GP3M 44
4
AWD
British Sign Language
GR7M 45
5
AWD
British Sign Language Studies
GE6Y 48
8
PDA
An Award in BSL is planned at SCQF level 6. More information on this new Award will be published in late 2021.
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority will need to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
In addition, the document below has advice for schools on the qualifications and experience required by staff delivering the BSL Awards:
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Awards are not graded.
Each unit is assessed separately.
Assessment can take place at appropriate points as candidates progress through the tasks within the units. Evidence of assessment can be presented in a format which best suits the individual candidates and the activities being undertaken.
Evidence should include filmed footage of live production of BSL, and can also include written records, assessor records, or photographs.
Assessment support packs for all units are available on the SQA secure website.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification Structure
Group award code: GR7M 45 (24 SCQF credit points)
The Award in British Sign Language at SCQF level 5 consists of three mandatory units:
J45N 45 British Sign Language: Understanding Language and Linguistics
J45P 45 British Sign Language: Using Language in Context
J45R 45 British Sign Language: History and the Deaf Community