Acquiring Language
People have argued about communication and language for deaf people for well over 100 years. At the Academy, our approach is simple. We look to maximise the language in all students, whether orally or through sign language. We prioritise the acquiring of literacy, because it is the foundation stone for learning, enabling students to think and learn; it is important in the development of information processing, reasoning, enquiry, creative thinking and evaluation. When communicating with students individually, we use the communication method that is most effective for them. When communicating in groups, we use BSL so that all can participate and understand, irrespective of the level of deafness they have. We have an excellent track record in developing the language of our students, whatever the language they use. With BSL training up to L4, Live English, Cued English, and Access to Language lessons we have a lot of resources to enable our students to acquire language.
We have specialist staff who help students acquire and develop language, including two speech and language therapists, a BSL Tutor team, a Cued English Tutor and an Educational Audiologist. We also have a large team of Communication Support Workers who support students in mainstream education so that they can fully participate within these lessons. In addition, we work closely with Deafinite Interpreters, a sign language interpreting agency, who are based at the Academy.