Star-Signers
The photos below show the range of activities covered in BSL lessons, from singing to poetry to role play. Links are made in every year group to the curriculum topics and links are also made to wider school projects and events. Deaf role models are beginning to be introduced. A Deaf audiologist Sarah Adedeji (who is also a performer and dancer) visited Royal Hill. Year 6 met her in assembly and asked many insightful questions. Year 4 enjoyed dance workshops with our visitor.
Start Signs - EYFS
Reception have been learning about the basics of Deaf awareness; how to tap, make eye contact and greet their friends. They are learning to name and sign emotions. They can name family members. They can express which activities they like to do at school. They recognise signs for colours and have learnt to fingerspell the alphabet through song.
Sign that a Monster’s Near - KS1
In Year One BSL lessons linked with their class topic of Monsters. Having learnt the vocabulary related to monsters (horns, claws) they were then able to build sign phrases to describe them (eg a scary monster with horns). Role playing helped to develop their ability to use expression and movement to give their signing depth and meaning. They also learnt to sign verb phrases such as monster run, monster sleep.
Hands of Stone - LKS1
In Year 3 children learnt key topic vocabulary linked to the Stone Age, they were able to sign and discuss the daily life of the Stone Age people and how they lived. Connectives to develop sequencing and flow in their signed narratives were introduced, including ‘then, before and after’. During Black History Month lessons celebrated the lives of Black, Deaf people, including ex students of JW as well as Hollywood actors!
Hand Marks Landmarks - UKS2
In Year 5 children learnt to name and describe famous London landmarks. They are able to discuss how to travel across London, signing different modes of transport. During Black History Month they examined the BSL poems of Deaf performers.
