Thirty-year old Deaf learner celebrates success at Coleg Gwent

30-year-old Deaf student and Newport resident, John Fraser-Natale, is the first learner at Coleg Gwent to undertake a degree course using British Sign Language (BSL). John will submit his dissertation and any other assignments in BSL.  

John is currently studying BA Top Up – Photography, after completing his Photography Foundation Degree course at Coleg Gwent’s Crosskeys campus, with the support of the BSL–fluent Communication Support Workers (CSWs). The college’s Deaf Club was founded in 2020 and runs on a weekly basis. It has a Teams chat which is for all Deaf learners on every campus, allowing members to communicate via video, through the medium of BSL. 

Nicola Gamlin, Principal at Coleg Gwent said: “It’s never too late to learn — whether you want to pursue a new career path, develop your business concept or try a new activity.  

“The college works closely with SenCom and supports Deaf learners through BSL and Sign Supported English (SSE) so that they can learn new skills, increase their knowledge and gain confidence whilst studying with us. 

“Coleg Gwent’s flexible part-time courses start and run throughout the year, and we often see adults returning to us to take additional courses as they excel and advance in their disciplines. This year, we are thrilled to be welcoming more adults, of all ages, who have decided to pursue their aims and interests with us.” 

John decided to sign up for an evening course in photography two years ago, which sparked his passion for photography and led him to undertake his foundation degree and BA Top Up. John didn’t let his age or his deafness stand in the way of him pursuing a passion.   

John is already making strides in his photography career by volunteering as a photographer for Wales Deaf Football, Wales Deaf Rugby, Celtic Deaf Festival and Deaf Gathering — helping him to both build his portfolio and expand his network. 

John said:

“The staff at Coleg Gwent have been so accommodating from day one, which has made it so easy for me to learn. I was assigned CSWs, called Nisha and Joa as soon as I registered for my course. They have been there for me throughout my learning journey, encouraging and supporting me at every step along the way.  

“Their support has helped me to not only grow in confidence but also develop as a person. It wasn’t like this when I was in school, no one knew how to use sign language, so I just had to muddle through. I felt very alone and discriminated against. 

“I want to use my photography work to raise awareness of the Deaf community and campaign for Deaf rights and visibility across Wales and the wider world. I did my foundation degree project on portraying the Deaf community and will continue to strive for equity for Deaf people through the medium of photography. 

“Once I have completed my BA degree, I want to achieve my Master’s degree in photography too and go on to pursue a career in this field.   

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