BSL course for children part of new programme of activities from East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure

Children will be able to learn British Sign Language as part of a free course starting next month.

Article Source: East Renfrewshire Culture & Leisure
Last Updated: 22 August 2022 12:35

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure will offer the Storytelling with BSL course, as part of Eastwood Park Theatre's aim to make theatre accessible to all. Experienced tutors will help children aged 9-12 learn BSL and classes are suitable for deaf or hearing children. The sessions start in September at Williamwood High School. There will then be an opportunity for children to take part in a week-long course at Eastwood Park Theatre, using new BSL skills to create a piece of theatre and it is hoped the course will run again in the new year.

The free course is supported by funding from Creative Scotland and features as part of East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's newly launched activity programme, which kicks off this week.

BSL tutor Graham Dow explained: “Projects like this are crucial to bridging the communication gap between deaf and hearing communities and teach about deaf culture, as well as how beautiful British Sign Language is. Communication through storytelling has been happening for generations so it's fitting that we are able to use stories as a teaching tool. The children will be learning the basics of sign language and will be able to learn how the deaf communities tell stories and it's so important that children are learning at this age. We aim to bring sign language to schools in the near future and being involved in this project should pave the way for that.”

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure's packed programme also includes over 100 sports classes for children this term.

Athletics classes are on offer at Eastwood High School and Williamwood High School, with various classes available, while hockey classes return to Eastwood High School from 26 August. Tennis classes are on offer, while mini kickers sessions are available to book for ages 3-4, hosted at various locations across East Renfrewshire. There are over 40 gymnastics classes taking place across East Renfrewshire this term, with basketball, netball, football and badminton keeping the kids active and entertained.

Eastwood Park Theatre's popular Saturday drama class for children aged 5-12 returns on 27 August, while children's arts classes, delivered by expert tutors, are also available.

Adults can choose from a range of classes, including a new Adult Beginners Watercolour class starting on 22 August. There are also walking football classes on offer.

To book, visit www.ercultureandleisure.org

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