Abi Project

Introducing British Sign Language /Iaith Arwyddion Cymru into mainstream classrooms.

Focused on teaching children and supporting teachers with sign language. The Abi Project offers FREE British Sign Language and Iaith Arwyddion Cymru lessons, and support to primary schools in North Wales.

The Catrin & Abi books are supplied for FREE to North Wales schools in Welsh, English and BSL as part of the project. These provide a child friendly introduction to BSL and IAC.

Educational Benefits

The books and online resources provide a fantastic programme for schools throughout the UK, with educational benefits beyond inclusivity.

Learning BSL helps children understand a different culture and develop empathy. In turn they gain wider knowledge and better understanding of the world around them.

Multiple studies have shown signing helps people studying in a bilingual environment. It reinforces language development, expanding vocabulary acquisition and imprinting.

As a ground breaking project we have had lots of interests. Some frequent questions are:

What is IAC?

IAC stands for Iaith Arwyddion Cymraeg/Welsh Sign Language. Most signs are the same as British Sign Language (BSL) but the lip pattern can be different and some of the signs themselves are different.

Who is Funding the Abi Project?

Currently, the COS is fully funding this project. We are a sensory loss charity base in Colwyn Bay, Conwy.

How many lessons does the Abi Project teach / provide?

We teach 10 topics, which are usually covered over 10 lessons to one year group, however, you can request further sessions for other BSL/IAC-related support. If you prefer, we can also teach a one-off session if that suits you better.

Do you only teach one year group or can you teach the whole school?

We tailor our support to the needs of each school. You can book us to teach the whole school for a one-off session. If you would like the whole school or multiple classes to be taught all 10 lessons together, that will depend on how many pupils are in the school.

Are the lessons aimed at a specific age group?

We adjust our lessons to suit any age from nursery children to Year 7 pupils.

How do your BSL/IAC lessons meet requirement in the Welsh Curriculum?

We have designed our full course of 10 lessons to match the International Language requirements covered in the Welsh Curriculum, for example this includes aspects such as storytelling, signs that show size and shape, and body language. We also cover all topics that are found in the ‘Introduction to BSL’ course, which will prepare pupils for the BSL GCSE that is being introduced in Wales.

Can I book lessons to be taught in Welsh?

Yes, of course! We also include some Welsh signs (IAC) for lessons taught in English, which will help your school meet its Welsh Language requirements.

“Huge thank you … The topics/books are amazing… I honestly don’t know how we would have ever delivered this area of the new Welsh Curriculum without your input… We are eternally grateful!”

Ysgol Madras, Wrexham

Online resources and BSL

Providing a richer classroom experience and helping foster independent learning. Use the QR codes in each book for quick and easy access or visit the Catrin and Abi website.

Visit Catrin & Abi

How can our school  get involved?

To book lessons, a one off session or request other BSL related support.

Get Involved

“I think every primary school would benefit from learning BSL. Children and staff look forward to every [lesson]… Great to be able to know Welsh vocabulary as well as English through BSL”

Ysgol Glan Conwy, Conwy