Results of a pilot project at a Scottish Secondary school to offer both hearing and deaf pupils to study deaf studies.
British Sign language (BSL) was formally recognised as a language by the UK government in March 2003 and by the Scottish government in March 2011. This paper reports on an innovative project involving the introduction of BSL as a language option in a large secondary school located in the Highlands of Scotland. The experiences as reported by pupils, staff and parents raise questions about inclusion and the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence including the wider implications of BSL in schools, the impact that BSL has had on the school community and in particular the Deaf pupils and staff.
Kinsman, M., 2014. Introducing British Sign Language in a Scottish Secondary School. Scottish Languages Review. Issue 28, pp. 1 – 12.