Burgess Hill Girls pupil creates British Sign Language Covid-19 news broadcast

A Burgess Hill Girls pupil has created a British Sign Language Covid-19 news broadcast.
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Both Amber Mason’s parents are deaf, so she has been signing since she was six months old, and as she is a hearing person, she is also able to converse with hearing people.

Amber, aged seven, who goes to Burgess Hill Girls school, used both skills in her broadcast, so hearing and deaf children can watch it and learn how to stay safe during the pandemic.

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Although Amber’s father, BSL presenter and actor Clive Mason, helped her make the film, she wrote the script, presented the film and made all the editing decisions.

Burgess Hill Girls pupil Amber MasonBurgess Hill Girls pupil Amber Mason
Burgess Hill Girls pupil Amber Mason

She said: “Making this news broadcast has helped me learn more about COVID-19, I hope it helps other children learn more too.”

In the film, Amber encourages viewers to stay at home and gives guidance on how to cough and sneeze as well as wash their hands.

The Covid-19 special took two days to make and was filmed in her garden using a green screen.

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Amber’s mum, Clare Chilton, said: “I couldn’t think of a better way to spend family time during the lockdown.

“Clive is a wonderful role model for Amber and it is great that he has been able to use the time to pass on his skills.”

The Covid-19 broadcast is Amber’s second film using BSL, her first was a homework project on her favourite thing about her school, Burgess Hill Girls.

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