The BSL Level 3 Certificate in British Sign language helps you develop your language skills and knowledge so you are competent at Level 3 of the UK Occupational Language Standards. The curriculum develops your signing skills for work and social use of BSL. You need to show you are competent in both receptive and productive skills at this level.
Signature’s British Sign Language Level 3 syllabus has three competency areas:
- Using receptive and productive skills to engage in varied social interactions. This means being able to have a conversation on a range of topics. But, depending on the topic, you may need to use formal language or some humour. You must be able to adjust your conversation style to align with the person you are signing with.
- It’s vital to be fluent, accurate, and coherent in long, varied language contributions. The focus is on the correct BSL grammar. For example, know when and what non-manual features to use. Use space correctly and follow the correct BSL order.
- Understanding sustained signed communication containing varied language. This module focuses on enhancing your receptive skills. For example, you need to be able to:
- Separate facts from opinion,
- Understand regional variations in BSL and
- Understand fingerspelling (delivered at normal speed).
Course topics include:
- Home life
- Social and recreational activities
- Education and training
- Employment
- Consumer issues and daily living
- Deaf history and culture
Assessments
To achieve BSL Level 3, you need to complete 3 assessments designed to test skills needed at this level:
- A formal presentation lasting 8–10 minutes. Your exam is recorded on video and then sent to Signature to be marked by an external assessor.
- An informal conversation with your tutor. This is also recorded and marked by an external assessor.
- A receptive skills test. You watch a video and answer questions to check your understanding. This is also marked externally.
You need to complete 250 learning hours in order to achieve a BSL level 3 qualification. You can get the full Signature BSL Level 3 specification from the Signature website.
How hard is BSL Level 3?
How hard is the BSL Level 3 course? Difficulty depends on a number of factors. They include factors such as:
- Your previous academic success,
- Experience with BSL,
- How you cope with different assessment methods and
- Personal circumstances.
If, for example, you passed Level 2 and attended a Deaf Club often, then you may find a BSL level 3 course easy.
BSL levels 1 and 2 are equal to a BSL GCSE. So, remember that BSL Level 3 equals an A-Level or an NVQ in BSL. The course takes a significant amount of time and effort to complete. The program aims to build skills to improve your job prospects.
BSL Level 3 gives you a level of fluency that allows you to use it for work. Most level 3 students go on to become a Communication Support Worker (CSW)It is a stepping stone to becoming a fully qualified Sign Language interpreter.
Tips for achieving your BSL Level 3
Level 3 qualifications can be tough. But with the right approach, you can succeed. Here are some tips to help you:
- Plan your time wisely. Allocate enough time for reading, researching, and practising your BSL
- Stay organised. Keep your notes, assignments, and study materials in order. Create a mind map of topics and how they interlink with each other.
- Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask your tutor for help. They can provide valuable feedback and support.
- Stay motivated. Remember why you started the qualification and what you hope to achieve.
Remember that everyone learns differently, so find what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different study techniques and approaches. Find what works for you.
BSL Level 3 Courses near me
We’ve researched BSL courses, so you don’t have to! Below is a list of Ofqual-registered Level 3 courses that are due to start soon. These course providers can help you continue your journey to learn British Sign Language. We update this list regularly, so check back to find a list of courses due to start soon.
BSL Online courses:
BeautifulBSL, Mansfield
BSL Classroom courses:
CityLit, London
Remark, London
Sh BSL, Norwich
Signwise Tuition, Norwich
Online and Classroom BSL courses:
B.S.L Training, Kent
Deaf Unity, London
What can I do with BSL level 3?
There are plenty of BSL Level 3 jobs available but you need to know where and when to look. Specialist agencies and job boards that post jobs every week.
A BSL Level 3 qualification lets you apply for Communication Support Worker (CSW) roles. CSWs usually work in schools and colleges to work with deaf students. Several colleges and universities across the UK need a regular supply of CSWs. There are also specialist schools that need CSWs to work with deaf students.
CSWs typically earn around £15 – £20 per hour on average, although this is dependent on your location in the UK. A BSL interpreter’s salary is far more.
The qualification is essential for those that wish to become sign language interpreters.
Are any online Level 3 BSL courses free?
No. No bona fide, Ofqual regulated course provider can provide a free BSL Level 3 course. British Sign Language courses get no government funding. Most course providers are small businesses run by individual tutors. So, you must cover all costs to complete a course.
If you are under 19, you may find a college that will fund the Level 3 course, but you may still need to pay for the exams. A Level 3 qualification is equal to an A-Level. A-Level courses for adults cost between £200 (if subsidised) to £2,000. You may be able to apply for a grant or loan to cover the cost of course fees. But, you’re unlikely to find a free regulated BSL Level 3 course.
Sign Language Linguistics
The BSL Level 3 focuses on linguistics. It’s essential to grasp other signing styles and develop your own. You will cover topics from BSL Level 2. But, you will learn linguistics at a deeper level. For example, you may know how to produce multi-channel signs. But you’ll be expected to understand various multi-channel signs created by different native signers.
BSL Level 3 also covers linguistic elements that use body language. Other topics include knowing the difference between visual languages and spoken languages. You will also learn that there are distinct differences between sign languages themselves. For example, BSL differs from Irish sign language or French sign language.
By the end of your course, you should be able to understand the context and be able to translate the meaning of a signed video clip. Our hot tip is to meet and interact with as many native sign language users as you can. You can also practice skills like fingerspelling, by watching video clips on channels such as BSL Zone and don’t forget to check out our post about free sign language resources.
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