The Government has announced it is to launch a new sign language GCSE, news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP, and former Minister for Disabled People, Justin Tomlinson MP.
The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language.
In line with all qualifications, the GCSE is open to all pupils and will be recognised and accepted in school and college performance tables.
An internationally recognised qualification, pupils who study this will develop ways of expressing and negotiating meaning through visual spatial language, communication and visual memory skills that will be an advantage to them for the rest of their lives.
As well as learning how to sign effectively, the GCSE will also give students an understanding of the history of sign language in the UK. This will provide a solid foundation for students’ understanding of how the language reached its current form.
As Minister for Disabled People, Justin worked with many charities and organisations advocating for deaf people and people with hearing loss. As part of this work, Justin was successful and seeing the law changed to allow sign language interpreters into jury deliberations, allowing deaf people to take part in jury service.
Locally, Justin is a keen supporter of Red Oaks Primary School and its fantastic provision for deaf children. He has spoken about the school in Parliament and invited former Schools Minister Nick Gibb to highlight the important work Red Oaks Primary School does to support deaf children.
