Ofqual declares guidelines for distinctive British Sign Language GCSE

Ofqual has at present set out the foundations for the evaluation of a groundbreaking new GCSE in British Sign Language (BSL).

The laws have been set following a second session and detailed collaborative working with organisations and folks throughout deaf and listening to communities. 

Catherine Large, Executive Director of Policy at Ofqual, mentioned:

The guidelines characterize one other vital milestone, a obligatory and essential step in direction of establishing this new and distinctive British Sign Language GCSE. It may assist deliver communities collectively by enhancing communication between deaf and listening to folks.

We are happy the foundations are actually in place after detailed work alongside awarding organisations and BSL material specialists, together with these throughout the deaf group. We want to thank everybody who has helped us to develop the laws and those that responded to the session.

The laws make sure the qualification can be top quality and meet rigorous requirements.

Ofqual has now accomplished its position at this stage because the {qualifications} regulator for England. From this level, it could be for any examination boards to develop their particular presents, which might then undergo Ofqual’s accreditation course of.

The guidelines confirmed at present are designed to make sure the preparations are applicable for a GCSE qualification for brand spanking new learners of the language, and as accessible as attainable for college kids who use BSL as their first or main language. 

The Department for Education units the curriculum for the brand new GCSE in BSL whereas Ofqual ensures the assessments are legitimate, dependable and truthful for all college students.

The BSL GCSE will assess college students’ capability to grasp BSL, produce indicators precisely, work together utilizing BSL, and show understanding of the historical past of BSL. The qualification consists of each exams and non-exam assessments.

Ofqual has determined to implement all of the situations, necessities and steering outlined in its session in April. During the session interval, Ofqual welcomed suggestions from events via periods supported by key stakeholder teams within the deaf group and in response to the net survey. Responses demonstrated help for the proposals. 

The new regulatory necessities cowl the language and accessibility of the assessments; vocabulary and grammar; prohibiting entry to dictionaries; the usage of stimulus supplies; the evaluation goals; and the expectations for non-exam assessments.

To learn extra concerning the session end result and Ofqual’s resolution on the laws, Ofqual has revealed 2 paperwork at present. They embody hyperlinks to movies in British signal language with subtitles.

• Consultation Analysis​: Rules for GCSE {qualifications} in British Sign Language​: Analysis of session responses.

• Consultation selections​: Rules for GCSE {qualifications} in British Sign Language​: Decisions on topic degree situations, necessities and steering.

Ofqual has additionally revealed the finalised Subject Level Conditions and Requirements and Subject Level Guidance on its web site.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Ofqual’s technical session, which launched on April 30, constructed on DfE’s December 2023 curriculum announcement and Ofqual’s first session which checked out high-level rules for the way the qualification can be assessed.

• For media enquiries please contact the Ofqual press workplace on 0300 303 3014 or e-mail media@ofqual.gov.uk