Mims Davies MP is thrilled a new British Sign Language GCSE is heading for classrooms.
The new GCSE will provide pupils with the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate using British Sign Language.
Pupils across the country will soon be able to take the British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE as the subject content has today (Thursday 21 December) been published, providing pupils with an important life skill and advancing inclusivity within education.
Parents, teachers and organisations from the deaf and hearing communities have provided overwhelmingly positive support for the introduction of the BSL GCSE, following a 12-week public consultation.
The responses have helped ensure the content is knowledge-rich, diverse in its teaching and challenging. Students who take this GCSE will learn to communicate effectively with other signers in work, social and academic settings and possess valuable life skills.
With the aim to have exam board syllabuses approved from September 2025, the BSL GCSE will teach students to effectively communicate using BSL and provide an understanding of the history of BSL in the UK.
Mims Davies MP said:
"I am thrilled a new British Sign Language GCSE is heading for classrooms, particularly here in Sussex, building on the BSL Act 2022.
Studying British Sign Language can open up so many doors for young people, giving pupils an understanding of how thousands of people communicate and ultimately even expanding job prospects.
It will help to ensure the world is a place where deaf people can sign anywhere - a huge step towards true equality and opportunity for all.
Therefore, I very much welcome this new GCSE and I look forward to visiting schools in my constituency to ensure the role out is going as smooth and seamless as can be for teachers and students."