This week in schools, a fascinating story is highlighting the importance of communication and inclusion through the use of British Sign Language (BSL). Let’s explore what’s been happening and why so many people are talking about sign language. Spotlight Story: Rose Ayling-Ellis and the Impact of Sign Language Recently, Rose Ayling-Ellis made history by becoming the first deaf contestant to compete on Strictly Come Dancing, winning the nineteenth series in December 2021 with her professional partner, Giovanni Pernice. Rose, a British actress known for her role as Frankie Lewis on EastEnders, uses BSL in her daily life. Throughout Strictly, she used sign language while performing and a translator to communicate with others. Her high-profile appearance has inspired a dramatic rise in the number of people interested in learning BSL. The Surge in British Sign Language (BSL) Learning Since Rose showcased sign language to millions of viewers, there has been a remarkable increase in enrolments for BSL courses. According to Russell Fowler, director of BSL Courses, sign language course sign-ups increased by over 2,000% following Rose’s participation in the show. Schools have also responded to this renewed interest. Fairfield High School in Bristol, for example, has started a BSL club for students, in collaboration with Elmfield School for Deaf People. Sophie Cockram, a communication support worker at FHS, notes that seeing students from both schools learn and communicate together builds confidence and new friendships each week. Understanding Sign Language Sign language is a unique way of communicating using hand gestures, movements, facial expressions, and body language instead of spoken words. In the UK, BSL is the most widely used form of sign language, with around 150,000 users. Just as there are many spoken languages around the world, there are many different types of sign languages as well. For instance, the gesture for ‘thank you’ in BSL is made by starting with your fingertips on your chin, then moving your flat hand outward and away from your face. The Importance of Communication Communication is more than just words; it’s about sharing information, emotions, and ideas. People communicate in various ways—by talking, using body language and facial expressions, or even writing. For those who are deaf or have hearing impairments, using sign language makes communication accessible and effective. Connecting Our Senses Our five senses—touch, taste, sound, sight, and smell—play vital roles in how we experience the world. Each sense gives us a different way to interact with and understand our environment. Not everyone can use all five senses, and those who are deaf must adapt and often rely on additional forms of communication, such as BSL, to connect with others and stay involved in the community. Reflection: Inclusion in Our Community For those who can’t hear, the world can be quite different. It is essential to ensure that everyone can participate and communicate, regardless of ability. Encouraging awareness and understanding of sign language helps create inclusive environments in schools and communities. Questions to Consider Should everyone learn sign language? How can we help remove communication barriers for people who are deaf or have hearing impairments? These questions spark valuable discussions in schools and at home. Reflecting on personal experiences with communication—especially when it becomes challenging—can help build empathy and understanding. Simple Ways to Get Involved and Learn More If you’re interested in learning more about British Sign Language or discussing topics of inclusion, there are great resources available: Explore the latest Picture News resources here: https://picture-news.co.uk/free-sample Join our latest discussion here: https://picture-news.co.uk/discuss Explore our recent events and training here: https://picture-news.co.uk/training By raising awareness of sign language and developing communication skills, we can make our schools and communities more welcoming places for everyone.
