What will I learn?
This course is a basic introduction to British Sign Language and Deaf culture, which includes simple vocabulary and understanding the use of BSL structure of communication. By the end of the course, you should be able to introduce yourself and others, ask questions and discuss family, home, weather, and transport. You will also gain an appreciation of some Deaf culture and the way it differs from hearing culture.

What will I need to take part?
Writing materials, notebook. Your tutor will advise regarding course textbooks. (Online courses only) This course is delivered online using Google Classroom and Google Meet. You do not need any login to join the video Meet call. To join Google Classroom you simply need a Gmail address and its password. Please check the confirmation email you receive after you book with Adult Learning for joining details. Course information is also on ‘My Account’ when you are logged in to the Adult Learning website. You can find help with our online learning platform on https://learners.northantsadultlearning.ac.uk/it-tips If you plan to join the sessions using a tablet or smart phone, please check you have downloaded the free Google Classroom and Google Docs Apps.

What to expect
Tutors use Google Classroom to help make course resources available both during and between sessions. Please take advantage of joining your Classroom when invited to do so. For IT help please visit https://learners.northantsadultlearning.ac.uk/it-tips (Online courses only) Sessions will be delivered live by the tutor, and you will be expected to have your camera turned on. Sessions will be interactive and will involve tutor input and group conversations.

Where can it lead to?
Following this course you will have the opportunity to progress to part 2

Course eligibility and fees
This adult learning course is available to residents of Northamptonshire who are: - aged 19 or over on 31st August in the funding year - resident in England, outside a devolved adult skills funding area. - ordinarily resident in the UK on the first day of learning. If you don't meet the above requirements, including some international students or people not ordinarily resident in the UK, you will not be able attend this course. Asylum seekers may be eligible to attend in some circumstances, including where they have lived in the UK for 6 months or longer while their claim is being considered, or where they receive certain types of local authority support. Fees are payable on enrolment as published on the booking page. If you are in receipt of certain benefits or in employment and earning below £25,750 a year, you may be eligible for reduced fees. Under certain circumstances you may be asked to provide evidence of your identity, residency, prior qualifications and where relevant, benefits or income. If you are not sure what support, you are eligible for please phone our office between 10-4 on weekdays 0300 303 1058 or email adultlearning@northnorthants.gov.uk.