Level 4: Certificate In British Sign Language

This course follows the qualification specification set out by Signature, full details of all specifications and assessment procedures can be downloaded from their website.

Qualification Aim

The Level 4 Certificate in British Sign Language (BSL) meets the learning needs of those who already have competence in British Sign Language at Level 3 and are interested in developing their skills and knowledge. It is designed for those who work with, or want to work with, Deaf people (e.g. social workers, teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc.), and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.

The assessment criteria is taken from the UK Occupational Language Standards at Level 4 (‘extended’ language use). This qualification is at Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), ‘Extended Level’ on the Language Ladder, and Level B2/C1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Qualification Objectives

Successful completion of this qualification can be used as evidence of the language skills needed, to operate independently and at an advanced level in the target language. It is useful for those who work on a regular basis with Deaf people (e.g. social workers, teachers of the Deaf, voluntary workers, workers within Deaf organisations, schools, etc.), those who aspire to work in these contexts, and those who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in British Sign Language.

Qualification Structure

Candidates must demonstrate both receptive and productive BSL skills at level 4, and in all of the six topics that make up this qualification. Assessments may cover any of the topics listed in this qualification.

The natural context of using BSL is in two-way interactions (discussions, conversations, debates etc.), as well as one-way interactions (monologues, presentations etc.). The candidate is therefore expected to demonstrate receptive and productive skills in both two-way and one-way interactions.

Unit Code Unit Title Unit Description
LO1 Use receptive and productive skills to engage in extended social interaction For more details of each module’s contents, please download full specification.
LO2 Maintain fluency, grammatical accuracy and coherence in sustained contributions containing extended language
LO3 Understand sustained signed communication containing extended language

 

Length of Course

The course will consist of roughly 180 guided learning hours plus 120 hours of additional study outside the classroom. This will include access to our own online learning resources at PremierBSL.

Guided Learning Hours (GLH)

Additional Study Hours

Total Learning Time

Credit Value

LO1/ LO2 / LO3 180 120 300

30

TOTAL 180 120 300 30

 

Topics & Content

The topics and content of any learning on this unit by the learners are expected to be wide-ranging, with vocabulary that is sufficiently technical as to be unpredictable. The key aspect of this unit is that learners should be able to understand the delivery of BSL at normal speed over extended periods (5 mins or more).

Target Group

It is recommended that entrants should have achieved the Level 3 Certificate in BSL Studies before starting the Level 4 Certificate programme.

The Level 4 Certificate in BSL Studies is suitable for those who:

  • wish to acquire and utilise British Sign Language skills at normal speed over extended periods in a wide range of work and social situations, signing accurately enough to be easily understood;
  • need to acquire and utilise BSL skills as part of a programme of professional development, for example, as a Communication Support Worker;
  • wish to progress from the Level 3 Certificate;

 

The qualification is also suitable for Deaf people wishing to acquire a qualification in their own language, as part of a progression route towards Deaf Interpreter status.

 

Assessment

All the evidence, apart from the ‘live’ assessment, will be collected into a simple coursework file (or e-file if preferred) and will be available for inspection by an External Examiner at the end of the programme.

Assessment Details Assessed By
Formal Presentation A formal presentation by the candidate to their teacher. The presentation will focus on a topic title provided by Signature. The candidate will have 14 days to prepare for the presentation and should cover the
assessment criteria in Learning Outcome 1 and Learning Outcome 2.A total of 50 marks is available, 20 marks for Learning Outcome 1 and 30 marks for Learning Outcome 2. The pass mark for the presentation is 60%.
Signature
Informal Presentation An informal conversation between the candidate and the teacher. The
conversation will focus on a topic provided by Signature. The topic titles will be provided on the day of the assessment and the candidate must
choose one topic title from a choice of three, which must be different to their topic for the previous presentation.A total of 50 marks is available, 20 marks for Learning Outcome 1 and 30 marks for Learning Outcome 2. The pass mark for the conversation is 60%.
Signature
Receptive Skills A receptive skills task where the candidate will watch a two-way conversation on one or more of the topics in the Qualification Specification. The receptive clip will be approximately 1 hour 15 minutes long and will be split into 4 parts.

The candidate will watch a brief summary of the conversation in BSL at the beginning of the DVD. Each part will have questions signed in BSL and candidates will write their answers on assessment papers provided by Signature

The pass mark for the receptive skills assessment is 60%.

Signature

For more details about the content, assessment procedures or criteria, please see the full specification document.

Additional Costs

Learners will be expected to purchase resources for their coursework file.

 

 

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