DCAL - British Sign Language Summer School
Overview
- Are you interested in learning British Sign Language?
- Do you already have knowledge of another Sign Language?
- Would you like to take part in engaging activities at Deaf schools and clubs where you will have a chance to practice your new signing skills?
Then our British Sign Language Summer School is for you!
An introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) summer school will be delivered by DCAL tutors. Other sessions to be delivered by DCAL's award-winning summer school team include: interactive activities at deaf schools, engaging with members of a deaf club, exploring a library with the largest specialist collection of deaf history and culture in Europe, a tour of a media captioning company, and informative presentations on deaf education and research in to deaf culture.
The programme is delivered over 3 weeks with roughly 19 hours of BSL face-to-face learning and 20 hours of activities.
A University College London certificate of attendance will be awarded after a brief BSL assessment at the end of the programme.
Note: The summer school is for those with a knowledge of another sign language.
Date of next Summer School to be confirmed
To register interest, email dcalcourses@ucl.ac.uk
Sample course content
Below is a sample timetable for BSL Classes and Activities.
Week 1
Mon | Tues | Weds |
10 -12 ID cards and UCL tour | 9.30-12 BSL teaching | 9.30-12 BSL teaching |
LUNCH 12-1pm | DCAL LUNCH 12.05-1.05pm | LUNCH 12-1pm |
1-4pm BSL teaching | 1.15—3.15pm Activity: Overview of DCAL Research | 1-3pm Talk: British Deaf Culture |
Week 2
Tues | Weds | Fri |
9.30-12pm BSL teaching | 10-12.30pm Activity: BSL History Activity | Activity: visit to Deaf Club |
LUNCH 12-1pm | LUNCH 1-2pm | |
2-5pm Activity: visit to Media company | 2-4pm BSL teaching | Free |
Week 3
Mon | Tues | Weds |
9.30-12pm BSL teaching | 10-12 Activity: Deaf Education | 9.30-12.00 Activity: Deaf school visit 2 |
LUNCH 12-1pm | LUNCH 12-1pm | LUNCH 1-2pm |
1-4pm BSL teaching | 1-3.30pm Activity: Deaf School visit 1 | 2-4pm BSL Assessments |
Reviews of the course
What previous students found beneficial about this Summer school:
"You get to experience so many different things and really learn about Deaf British history & culture; plus the people you meet are incredible"
"Interacting with the community, whether in the schools or at the club is so valuable and a great teaching method"
"A good experience to immerse yourself and learn about cultures different from your own. It's also perfect to better improve signing skills"
"It was fun and I learned so much. Plus, everyone was incredibly kind and accommodating"
"I feel it was a valuable and unique experience of immersion"
"My sign language skills have improved greatly. I've learned a lot & gained more confidence"
"I feel like it is a cool experience to compare the different signing communities"
"I enjoyed learning to converse in BSL and learning BSL/British Deaf culture and history"
Important Information
- You must already have knowledge of another Sign Language.
- You must arrange your own accommodation; a list of recommendations is available on request.
- Meals and drinks are not included.
The official languages of the summer school are British Sign Language and English.