The swap was made last September with the support of students, parents, teaching staff and school governors.
“We are an inclusive school, making sure all our pupils feel included in all aspects of school life, and this felt like a natural next step for us,” explained Pete Talbot, headteacher.
The school has a specialist resource provision (SRP) unit for 15 pupils who have severe or profound hearing loss.
A great deal of research and planning has taken place to develop the school's BSL lessons. Mr Talbot said: "We spent a lot of time developing a fun and engaging curriculum with our own sign language-trained staff, that motivates students to learn and helps them progress their knowledge. It's our ambition for students to leave in Year 6 with a level 1 sign language qualification."
It’s not just in lessons where students have the chance to learn and practice signing. “We learn new signs together in our school assemblies and encourage students to sign during breaks and lunchtime and when they ask for water, say hello or thank you, or ask to go to the toilet,” explained Mr Talbot.
One of the biggest impacts has been felt by the school’s hearing-impaired students. “It’s fantastic seeing so many students using sign language throughout the school day to sign with our hearing-impaired students,” added Mr Talbot. “It has made such a difference to them, being able to communicate in their language with other students.”
“One of my favourite moments was at Christmas when students signed a poem in assembly. The hall was completely silent while they signed, and parents erupted into loud applause when they had finished. It was a powerful moment that I’m sure will stay with the students, parents and our teaching staff – it will certainly stay with me.”
