In the academic year 2015-16, 19 students took their Signature Level 1 Award in British Sign Language (BSL) at Pembrokeshire College and 100 per cent achieved the award.

Chris Smoothy, Rosalind Smoothy, Fiz Lamb, Abigaele Barille, Annette Thomas, Donna Rowlands, Elisabeth Guglielmoni, Gabby Fecci and Catrin Davies have now progressed on to the level two course.

Chris explaine: “Doing level one has helped my daughter and I to communicate as she is profoundly deaf. I chose to do level two to build on the foundation we had laid with level one. It has improved our understanding of one another and helped her to find her voice.”

Their tutor Shirley David is also celebrating the receipt of her Level 6 NVQ Certificate in BSL which was awarded in September 2016.

Shirley stated: “British Sign Language is a full language with its own grammar and syntax. The students should be proud of their achievements and I am delighted that they have done so well. I will continue to develop my own skills and knowledge to ensure students get the best possible training.”

The college offers taster days through the Step Forward Project as well as the level 1 and level 2 Awards. For more information, contact Jo-Ann Tyler on 01437 753139 or visit the website step.pembrokeshire.ac.uk