I found the tutorial very helpful. It gave me the chance not only to practise with Michelle for my conversational exam, but also to have a chat and put into practice everything I’ve learned so far. As I haven’t been able to attend any Sign Cafés, it was really enjoyable to just ‘chat.’

It also gave me a long 1‑to‑1 session, which isn’t possible in a large signing group. I had the opportunity to polish my conversational script and correct any mistakes I was making.

In addition, I was able to ask Michelle for help preparing for my second exam. She supported me with accessing signs for new vocabulary and checked over my script.

Alison L, April 2016 (Kings Oaks School Teacher Assistant)

I am a Reception and Nursery Teacher, and this year I have undertaken the British Sign Language Level 1 course led by Michelle Raperport-Smyth at the Children’s Development Centre on Tuesday evenings. I needed this qualification because I teach two children who are hearing impaired, as well as others who use sign to support their language development. I have found the course incredibly useful in my professional role.

However, it has been challenging to develop the skills needed to pass the exam and to build confidence using sign in the real world due to time constraints. No matter how much time I spend practising on my own, I have found that I can only truly develop my conversational skills, polish my signing, and improve my expression with Michelle’s support.

It would have been beneficial to have more time working with Michelle on a one‑to‑one basis.

Anna B, April 2016 (Early Years Leader)

I am a Teaching Assistant at a lower school, working 1‑to‑1 with a child who is hearing impaired. This year I have undertaken British Sign Language Level 1, led by Michelle Raperport-Smyth.

I have found the class highly beneficial and now use sign daily to support many children in developing their language skills.

Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to attend the Sign Café meets or pub quiz nights, which I know have been helpful for other students. At times, the workload can feel heavy, and some of the skills needed to pass the exam are difficult to achieve alone during the sessions.

Michelle offered 1‑to‑1 support, which I found extremely useful. She worked with me to ensure the content was correct and gave clear feedback and pointers on where I could improve. Michelle has helped me build my confidence. Without the extra 1‑to‑1 support, I would have found the process daunting, as I wouldn’t have had the clarification or guidance needed to polish my signs and develop appropriate facial expressions.”

Chloe R, April 2016 (Teaching Assistant)

I found the tutorial with Michelle incredibly valuable and very worthwhile. We spent the time practising the conversation element of the exam and reviewing the script for the descriptive element. Having a full hour allowed me to reflect on and improve the weaker areas of my signing.

Michelle spent time ensuring I was using different signs correctly, and that my facial expressions and lip‑reading were appropriate, which really helped me prepare for the exam. The session also boosted my confidence, as we were able to rehearse the exam script several times in a relaxed environment.”

Faye T, April 2016 (Ridgeway School – Teacher)

This year I have undertaken the British Sign Language Level 1 course led by Michelle Raperport-Smyth. I have two profoundly deaf children, and my husband and I communicate with them through signing and spoken language.

The course has made me far more confident when communicating with my children and has made everyday activities more accessible for them. My increased knowledge of sign has also allowed my children to learn more ways to express what they want.

The one‑to‑one sessions with Michelle gave me valuable time to practise my signing skills within an adult conversation. They also allowed me to prepare for the exams by checking my scripts and confirming the signs for particular words.

Attending the Sign Café and other local deaf groups enabled me to practise my signing skills with people within the Deaf community.”

Kerry E, April 2016

I am the Support Co‑ordinator for School Support Services, as well as a Sessional Worker for Social Care. Both roles mean I may need to interact with adults or children who are deaf. I have always been keen to learn sign language, and this year I was given the opportunity through work.

Michelle has encouraged me to attend different sign clubs held in the community, and I have found them both beneficial and confidence‑building. They are a great way to practise and observe sign language in use. However, I have also found the 1‑to‑1 sessions with Michelle extremely helpful and supportive, as they allowed me to practise in a relaxed environment.

These sessions gave me the opportunity to ask individual questions, practise particular signs I struggled with, and sign outside the context of the class topics. Through attending these sessions, my signing improved significantly and prepared me for the formality of the exam conditions.

Debbie W, April 2016 (Support Co‑ordinator for School Support Services)

I am pleased that I took the opportunity to have a tutorial with Michelle. Although she is very thorough when teaching us signs and supporting us during the BSL class, there simply isn’t enough time for the kind of focused 1‑to‑1 support I received in the tutorial. Having dedicated time with Michelle allowed me to refine my script and practise my signing and facial expressions in preparation for the conversational skills exam.

Michelle helped me with particular signs I was struggling with, ensuring I was producing them accurately. The tutorial gave me a much‑needed confidence boost in my ability to use sign language. I also had the chance to converse with Michelle in sign on topics outside my exam script, which was extremely helpful. By the end of the session, I felt far more prepared to undertake the exam.

Merle J, April 2016 (Early Years Advisory Teacher)

Apologies for the delay. I’d definitely be up for a celebratory drink.

I really enjoyed doing my Level 1 BSL course with Michelle and was proud to have passed with high marks. I was very nervous in my exams, but she was great at putting us at ease so the nerves didn’t take over.

Claire B, Nov 2015

We had such a lovely experience with the BSL induction course – it was truly inspiring and motivated us to sign up for the full Level One course. Michelle was fantastic; she really boosted our confidence in the idea of communicating with BSL giving my husband and myself hope on being able to communicate as my husband hearing deteriorates, she is incredibly supportive throughout both the induction and the training sessions.

During the induction, we were grateful to be assisted by a very helpful interpreter who guided us through the basics and helped us with any questions. Michelle’s communication skills are outstanding; the interpreter was only needed for that initial stage. Michelle is incredibly patient and encouraging, creating a welcoming and positive space for everyone to learn. If you’re thinking about learning BSL, I would wholeheartedly recommend doing it with Michelle – she’s just brilliant!

Tracy and Ali, Jan 2026

I did the BSL taster session and it 'does what it says on the tin'.Michelle was lovely and welcoming and there was an interpreter there to help with communication. I learned some BSL, mainly greetings and the alphabet, and I learned a little bit about Deaf culture that is not obvious or well-known and has proved very useful.

I can highly recommend the taster session and Michelle.

Thanks

Chris R, Jan 2026

More coming later...