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Key details

Course area
English, Maths and Languages
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Part-time Further Education course
Course level
Entry Level

Course introduction

It is no longer possible to apply/enrol for this course as there are no course dates available. Please check back later as we may be offering it again in the future.

Community courses are “first steps” for adults to learn new skills, develop confidence, meet others in welcoming classroom. The purpose of courses is to support students into further learning or employment (paid or voluntary).

This course is primarily for people who are looking for an introduction to BSL and isideally for those who have not learnt sign language before.

On completion of the course, all individuals will be able to do some basic signing, interpret others doing basic signs and will have some deaf awareness.

You will learn:

  • About BSL as a language
  • How to fingerspell
  • To be able to use family signs, i.e. mother, father, sister, brother, friend etc.
  • To understand Basic Deaf Awareness
  • Signed topics including - feelings, weather, questions and colours
  • Basic signed conversations including above topics and vocabulary
  • Some basic sign language skills to be able to sign simple conversations.

You should attend regularly and arrive on time to make best progress on course

You will complete a short diary weekly in class time, to record your progress and receive written tutor feedback.

You will use Microsoft Teams whilst on the course. Microsoft Teams is a free, safe online app used by Nottingham College for tutors to contact students.

Using Teams will also enable you to develop and feel confident using digital skills.

For more information on using Microsoft Teams and the induction process, please visit our Induction Information for Community Students page.

Course information

College Certificate

There are no formal entry requirements but you must be aged 19+.

You will complete a weekly “Student Diary” and so ESOL students should be studying at entry 3 or higher to enrol on a Community course taught by non-ESOL tutor.

Tutors will give weekly verbal and written feedback. You will complete a short workbook and set your own personal targets, as well be progressing though the general course learning outcomes. This will help you and your tutors record progression on the course.

The course tutor and development workers can advise of other learning opportunities within Community faculty or signpost you to courses in other vocational areas of Nottingham College.

You will have the opportunity to receive progression guidance from an external locally based agency “Futures for You” whilst on the course.

If you are interested in progressing onto leisure courses in your chosen subject, you may have opportunities to do so at Nottingham College or be signposted to other leisure courses in the Nottingham area.

This is a practical course and you will be encouraged to sign with others in the class and take your own notes to support your learning. You will need a notebook, pen and a folder to store any handouts provided.

Careers related to this course

Authors, Writers and Translators

Potential Earnings

£57,608.43

Average Earnings

£30,805.35

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Media, Publishing and Information Services

People in these occupations produce, publish, and release media and provide library, archive, curation, and information services.

Skills

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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