BSL: Pupils in England offered GCSE in British Sign Language

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Kids in England will get the choice to take a GCSE in British Sign Language from 2025.

British Sign Language (BSL) is a form of communication done through hand gestures and movements.

GCSEs are tests that teenagers do in school, usually when they are 15 and 16. Some of the subjects get to be chosen by pupils a few years beforehand, and pupils study the subject for a while before you have to do any tests.

People who take the subject will learn around 1,000 signs.

When could I start learning BSL?

Teenagers usually get to choose some of their GCSE qualifications, but some schools have different rules

Some schools already teach British Sign Language. This primary school in Suffolk added British Sign Language to its curriculum earlier this month.

Staff at the school were encouraged to teach it by a pupil who used to go to the school and now campaigns for BSL to be learned by more people.

The new announcement means if you're starting your GCSEs in September 2025, you might be able to choose BSL as a subject.

People often choose GCSEs in Year 8 or Year 9, when they're in secondary school. If you're not sure if your school is offering it, you can always ask a teacher to find out.

"Open so many doors for young people"

This is what Gillian Keegan, the UK's Education Secretary, said the impact of the GCSE would have. She says lessons in BSL will also give kids the chance to learn about the history of BSL.

Susan Daniels, who is in charge of the National Deaf Children's Society, said that the organisation was "delighted" to have the course ready to go.

Part of the GCSE will involve learning around 1,000 signs, understanding how British Sign Language was developed, and understanding BSL in culture.

Newsround's bulletin has a British Sign Language version - you can watch that here.