This article discusses the development of the Hand in Hand curriculum of the Black Country Pathfinder Networks for Excellence program. The purpose of the project is to create a British Sign Language (BSL) course suitable to delivery in the mainstream curriculum. The first phase focuses primarily on the creation of an outline of the project and a plan that sets out outcomes and timelines for the delivery of the project. To support the delivery of the course a resource is being created that specifically addresses the needs and aspirations of the target group of learners. Video clips, visuals and activities are designed to reflect the world as it is experienced by learners from the target age group, rather than by their teachers. The article cites the challenge of creating materials that are not artificial or patronizing, and authentically reflect young people's views, by trialling with actual students, consulting them as an integral part of the process. (Contains 1 footnote and 2 figures.)