Extra classes added as more people learn to sign in Doncaster

 Following the successful introduction of British Sign Language (BSL) classes at Doncaster Deaf Trust, additional classes are being added for 2026.
 
The team of BSL tutors have welcomed people on to BSL Levels 1,2 and 3 courses during 2025 and have seen a significant growth and interest in people wanting to learn to sign.
 
Natalie Pollard, BSL manager at Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “It has been fantastic to see more people wanting to learn to sign.
 
“Learning BSL is a great skill to have and BSL was recognised as a language by the UK government in 2003 and received full legal status with the passing of the BSL Act in 2022.
 
“It is a great skill to have and will enable you to communicate with people who are d/Deaf. There are more than 87,000 deaf people in the UK and 151,000 people using BSL. We need to grow these numbers so that people in all walks of life can communicate with deaf people in their first language.
 
“Our pupils at Doncaster School for the Deaf and students at the Deaf Education Centre, part of Communication Specialist College Doncaster deserve to live in a world where people can communicate with them when they visit the doctors, go to the shops or use public transport. Ever new signer is a step in the right direction.”
 
A new BSL Level 1 course will start on January 29^th, 2026. The course will be delivered on-site at Doncaster Deaf Trust and is ideal for anyone wishing to begin their BSL journey.
 
“Whether for personal interest, professional development, or to support communication within their workplace or community, this is a great course to do,” added Natalie.
 
A new BSL Level 2 course will also start on Wednesday 25^th February, taking place from 16:00 to 18:30.
 
“Level 2 is perfect for learners who have already completed their Level 1 qualification and wish to deepen their understanding, develop greater fluency, and build more advanced communication skills in BSL,” said Natalie.
 
The level one course costs £450 and runs for 32 weeks and the level two course costs £650 for and runs for 34 weeks. There is a payment plan option, allowing the fee to be spread across three instalments.
 
For further information about the BSL courses, or to reserve a place, please contact BSL@ddt-deaf.org.uk