British Sign Language Award SCQF level 5
The level 5 Award has been designed to appeal to both hearing and deaf learners. The British Sign Language Award at SCQF level 5 will help learners to develop their language skills and enable them to communicate with British Sign Language (BSL) users in various contexts. Learners will also develop their understanding of how sign languages work, and how they differ from spoken and written languages. It will also enhance their understanding of Scotland’s Deaf Community, its history, people and culture.
A further Award in British Sign Language is planned at SCQF level 6. More information on this new Award will be published late 2021.
To achieve the Award at SCQF level 5, a learner must achieve the following three units:
| 4 code | 2 code | Unit title | SQA credit | SCQF credit points | SCQF level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J45N | 45 | British Sign Language: Understanding Language and Linguistics | 1.5 | 9 | 5 |
| J45P | 45 | British Sign Language: Using Language in Context | 1.5 | 9 | 5 |
| J45R | 45 | British Sign Language: History and the Deaf Community | 1 | 6 | 5 |
This qualification may be available through schools, colleges, community organisations and volunteer-involving organisations.
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Why deliver this qualification
This Award has a wide potential market. They are open to all learners, regardless of age, academic experience, or ability.
Centres have the flexibility to choose the delivery method which best suits their circumstances and their learners.
The Awards can be used to offer a progression pathway to other qualifications (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The British Sign Language Award at SCQF level 5 is suitable for:
- S3¿S6 pupils
- school leavers
- college students
- adult returners to education
- anyone in a volunteering role
- trainees preparing for employment
- employees studying as part of a continuing professional development programme
- individuals involved in voluntary activities
- people in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- those who wish to start their own business
Access
Entry to the Award is at the discretion of the centre. Centres can decide an appropriate starting level for each learner, based on the learner¿s existing knowledge and experience of BSL and/or learning across other languages. However, some previous knowledge and interest in BSL may be an advantage.
Progression
Stand-alone units in British Sign Language
As well as the Awards in British Sign Language there is a small group of stand-alone units. These units may be more suited to learners who want an introduction to BSL, or who do not have sufficient time to complete the full Award.
If successful at one level, learners could progress to the unit at the next level, where available.
| Unit title | Unit code | SCQF level | Learning hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Sign Language: An Introduction | F8Y0 09 | 3 | 60 |
| British Sign Language | H3PA 10 | 4 | 60 |
| British Sign Language | H3PA 11 | 5 | 60 |
| British Sign Language | H3PA 12 | 6 | 60 |
Awards in British Sign Language
If successful at one level, learners could progress to the Award at the next level.
| Award title | Award code | SCQF level | Award type |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Sign Language | GP3L 43 | 3 | AWD |
| British Sign Language | GP3M 44 | 4 | AWD |
| British Sign Language | GR7M 45 | 5 | AWD |
| British Sign Language Studies | GE6Y 48 | 8 | PDA |
Approval
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA¿s Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA¿s general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
The specific delivery requirements are set out in the group award specification.
How to assess
Each individual unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for each unit.
Awards are not graded.
Each unit is assessed separately.
Assessment can take place at appropriate points as candidates progress through the tasks within the units. Evidence of assessment can be presented in a format which best suits the individual candidates and the activities being undertaken.
Evidence should include filmed footage of live production of BSL, and can also include written records, assessor records, or photographs.
Assessment support packs for all units are available on the SQA secure website.
Where can you take this course?
Qualification Structure
The Award in British Sign Language at SCQF level five consists of three mandatory units: J45N 45 British Sign Language: Understanding Language and Linguistics, J45P 45 British Sign Language: Using Language in Context, and J45R 45 British Sign Language: History and the Deaf Community (24 SCQF credit points).