Highland’s unique 1+2 BSL digital pack a national hit

Over 20 Scottish Local Authorities have purchased The Highland Council’s British Sign Language (BSL) Education 1+2 pack, and the interest is growing.

Education Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “It is fantastic that this accessible and essential resource is being utilised not only in Highland, but across other Scottish local authorities also. The ability to deliver BSL in our schools is a big achievement and this pack will empower more of our staff and pupils to learn and become more confident in using sign language. This will have a wider positive impact in our communities. The word of mouth between Scottish education colleagues about these packs demonstrates the quality of the content and I would like to both congratulate and thank our Highland Deaf Education Service on their work to pull this together to the benefit of all.”

The Council’s Highland Deaf Education Service (HDES) developed the pack to enable schools to deliver BSL within the curriculum without the need for a signing tutor to be present. The unique digital pack is flexible, affordable and meets the needs of pupils and staff by including lesson plans, signed video clips, resources, activities, games, and more.

Co-ordinator for HDES, Mrs Sheila Lundberg said: “Highland Deaf Education Service is delighted with the way our BSL pack has been received. It is great to be able to share the knowledge that has been gained from having had BSL as a mainstream subject in Dingwall Academy for the last 30 years.”

Profits from the digital pack orders are being reinvested into the enhancement and further development of BSL delivery in schools.