Primary pupils say learning sign language is 'fun'

2 hours ago

Ollie Conopo,in Northamptonand

Alex Pope,Northamptonshire

News image — Year 6 pupils at St James Church of England Primary School have learnt sign language for a year

Ollie Conopo/BBC A group of four pupils, all holding a hand up and waving. They are all smiling and looking at the camera. They are all wearing blue hooded jumpers. They are outside by plants. — Year 6 pupils at St James Church of England Primary School have learnt sign language for a year

Primary school pupils have said learning sign language means they are able to communicate with deaf family members and classmates directly and it is "fun".

Since September students in year 6 at St James Church of England Primary School in Northampton have been taught British Sign Language (BSL) and have attained their level 1 grade.

Christina Felton, from the school, who learnt the skill to teach them, said: "It's amazing, the children are like sponges, they pick it up so much quicker than adults."

Headteacher Sarah Beach said it was introduced to be "inclusive and bring our school community together".

Ollie Conopo/BBC Sarah Beach, outside, smiling and looking at the camera. She is standing by a wooden structure, with trees and bushes to the right. She has short grey hair, is wearing green glasses, and a blue and white top. — Headteacher Sarah Beach said not just pupils at the school learnt sign language, but teachers too

Felton said she first taught herself BSL about four years ago.

She said, as the school is so multicultural, "we were trying to think of the best language to teach them and decided it was BSL".

"It's been a stepping gap between the children with no English.

"Learning English they retain the signs a lot better than the spoken language so it's really helped them to come on with their spoken language," she said.

She added it was rewarding to see how children came into school excited that they have "communicated with somebody who is deaf out in the community".

"We have some children in the school who have hearing aids, so if their hearing should change it means they have those skills ready."

Ollie Conopo/BBC Four pupils, outside, in a school, by plants, all doing sign language. They have their right arms out. — Pupils have also been learning about the history of sign language

Jasper said: "I found it fairly easy, and I thought it was quite fun.

"I talk to my aunt sometimes as she is deaf."

Soltan said: "If I see a deaf person in a shop and asking for directions I know I can help them and they are not alone."

Glowen said: "I've learnt that it's very diverse and just because you're deaf it doesn't mean you can't do certain jobs like being a driving instructor or teacher."

Beach said: "We felt it was a language that would be really inclusive and would bring our school community together.

"It helps to teach the children how to embrace diversity in the community around them."

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