Southport students sign their way to success

Southport students sign their way to success

King George V College hosted a celebratory event for eight advanced level students who have successfully completed their Level One British Sign Language (BSL) enrichment course.

Since November, students have attended weekly lessons in Sign Language with the Deaf Education Advocacy Fellowship (DEAF).

The event, which took place in the Drama Studio of the College’s new Creative Arts Building, was to celebrate the students achievement and progress made throughout the course.

Esmail Patel, course leader, said, “I organised the celebration as I wanted to congratulate the students for trying so hard during the course and making the extra effort to always attend our lessons. I’ve really enjoyed working with the students, they’ve been outstanding.”

“When the students arrived in week one, they all seemed petrified but what an improvement they have made! Like a flower from a seed, they’ve flourished during the course and it’s great to see that they’re now so confident in speaking the language.”

Students showcased their British Sign Language skills learned during the course, were presented with a certificate of recognition and enjoyed a much deserved slice of cake. The celebration offered a moment of relaxation for the first year students who are currently busy with their end of year exams.

Anne-Marie Francis, Acting Principal of King George V, attended the event and praised the student’s achievement. She said, “We’re very proud of our students for committing to the course and completing it successfully.”

“These students can now use this qualification towards their career progression, it’s a real building block in developing our Learners holistic education.”

Katie Rooke, an Advanced Level student studying BSL alongside History, Maths, French and Law, said, “It’s been a really interesting course and nice to learn a different way of communicating with people. I’ve gained so much confidence.”

“I’m hoping to go on to a career in law when I leave KGV and thought it would be a handy qualification to have for this. Currently deaf people are not allowed to be on a jury. If more people are qualified to act as interpreters in a court we could potentially see this changed in the future.”

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