Ofqual has today launched a consultation on the rules that will
govern the assessment of the new GCSE in British Sign Language
(BSL), bringing the development of this unique qualification a
step forward.
This second Ofqual consultation follows extensive collaborative
work over the last 18 months to ensure the new qualification will
be high quality. This has involved working with awarding
organisations and BSL subject matter specialists, including those
within the deaf community.
Amanda Swann, Executive Director for General
Qualifications at Ofqual, said:
The GCSE in British Sign Language presents a great opportunity
for more people to learn this important language. We recognise
the positive impact this could have to improve communication
between deaf and hearing communities, and we encourage everyone
to share their views in response to our consultation.
This consultation addresses the specific rules exam boards will
need to follow when developing the qualification. The Department
for Education sets the curriculum for the new GCSE in BSL while
Ofqual ensures the assessments are valid, reliable and fair for
all students.
Following the consultation and review period, Ofqual expects to
confirm its decision on the qualification rules in autumn 2025.
From that point, interested exam boards will develop their
specific offers, which must then go through Ofqual's
accreditation process.
“Creating a completely new qualification requires thorough
development,” Ms Swann added. “While we
understand the desire to see this qualification available
quickly, our primary responsibility is to ensure it meets the
high standards expected of all GCSEs so that grades will be
trusted.”
School Standards Minister, said:
It's fantastic to see this incredibly important GCSE one step
closer to being taught in classrooms.
British Sign Language is a rich and vibrant language, and this
qualification will break down barriers between deaf and hearing
communities while giving young people the opportunity to learn a
new skill. Our priority is ensuring this qualification is the
best it can be for students.
This GCSE, alongside wider work with our independent curriculum
review will ensure all young people benefit from a broad and rich
curriculum that gives them the tools to achieve and thrive.
Ofqual encourages all interested parties to contribute to the
consultation, which can be accessed
here.
Background notes:
- Ofqual is the independent qualifications regulator for
England
- The Department for Education is responsible for setting the
curriculum for the new GCSE in BSL
- Ofqual is responsible for making sure that assessments are
valid, reliable and fair for students
- The consultation builds on DfE's December 2023 curriculum
announcement and Ofqual's first consultation which looked at
high-level principles for how the qualification will be
assessed
