Signature has announced a new initiative called The School of Signs. The School of Signs works to bring British Sign Language (BSL) into primary school classrooms across the UK. This free programme is designed to introduce children to BSL while also exploring Deaf culture, identity, and inclusion.
The aim is to help break down communication barriers and promote understanding from an early age. Children will learn a new language and also gain insight into the experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals.
Bringing BSL back into schools
Historically, sign language was banned from education in 1880, with oral methods being favoured instead. This had a lasting impact on generations of Deaf children who were denied access to their native language. The Deaf community has worked hard over the years to reclaim and promote BSL, and this initiative is a positive step forward in that journey.
Whether children are Deaf or hearing, The School of Signs offers a chance to build inclusive classrooms and foster empathy and connection.