Learning British Sign Language Stoke on Trent area

[2Helenback]

Hi, I hope this is the right place to put this.

I teach at a high school in Stoke, and I would really like to try and set up BSL lessons for our sixth formers as a qualification and life skill generally.

I have looked online, and apart from very expensive taught courses at colleges I can only seem to find online or CD Rom stuff. I think the kids would benefit from learning from a real person. As always in education, cost is going to be a factor when I present this idea to the powers that be!

Does anyone know of any groups or organisations, or even teachers in the area I can contact to try and get some help?

Thankyou.

[bubblagirl]

can you googl;e for any sn groups in your area and ask if they know of anyone?

[cocolepew]

Get intouch with your local RNID, maybe the teachers at the college would give you a reduced rate? When I learnt it I did it at night class and it wasn't expensive at all.

[Saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Hello.

Have you tried Stoke Speaks Out? I think they usually aim themselves at Primary but would probably be able to point you in the right direction.

[RaggedRobin]

the council for advancing communication between deaf and hearing people have a rather unwieldy name but they should be able to provide a tutor.

the tutors are deaf and i think it is important to learn bsl from a 'native speaker' iyswim.

really great that you are trying to set this up.

[2Helenback]

Thanks for the help. I'll do a bit more research.

Local colleges are £120 per person, so the school won't fund that i'm afraid, but I'm sure there'll be someone out there.

I'm trying to get it off the ground for next October to co-incide with National Awarness Week.