Grade 10 is a critical year for South African Sign Language (SASL) Home Language learners as they advance their skills in observing, signing, and visual analysis. The curriculum focuses on mastering signed presentations, literary analysis of poetry and short stories, and recording formal transactions. To ensure you stay on track with your studies, it is essential to consult the full Grade 10 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 South African Sign Language HL Grade 10 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, from the initial Introduction to Signing Techniques in Term 1 to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
South African Sign Language HL Grade 10 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, covering observing and signing, visual viewing, recording, and language structures.
Download: South African Sign Language HL Grade 10 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: Observation, Poetry, and Signing Conventions
Focus: The first term introduces learners to the features and conventions of signed presentations, including specific signing techniques and the structure of prepared and unprepared speeches.
- Weeks 1–3: Introduction and Poetry
- Signing: Introduction to features and conventions of signed presentations (signing techniques, structure, and preparation).
- Literature: Analysis of the poem “Inner Language”.
- Recording: Planning and recording transactional texts (Formal/informal speech).
- Weeks 4–7: Unprepared Presentation and Analysis
- Presentation: Unprepared presentation focusing on planning and research.
- Literature: Analysis of the poem “In praise of Sara Baartman”.
- Summary: Analyzing summaries (7 points own sign).
- Weeks 8–11: Narrative Essays and Reviews
- Literature: Review of Short Stories.
- Recording: Recording Narrative, Argumentative, or Descriptive essays.
- Assessment: Task 1 (Observing), Task 2 (Recording), Task 3 (Unprepared Presentation), and Task 4 (Test 1).
Term 2: Visual Literacy, Short Stories, and Mid-Year Exams
Focus: The second term expands into visual literacy (cartoons and adverts) and deeper literary analysis, including short stories and additional poetry.
- Weeks 1–4: Visual Texts and Prepared Presentations
- Visual Literacy: Interpretation of visual texts such as advertisements, cartoons, and pictures.
- Presentation: Prepared presentation focusing on research and organizing.
- Literature: Analysis of the poem “Soweto” and the poem “Obstacles”.
- Weeks 5–7: Short Stories and Dialogue
- Literature: Analysis of the short story “Snapshots”, focusing on themes, setting, plot, and characterisation.
- Recording: Recording transactional texts such as Eulogies and Dialogues.
- Language: Register, discourse, sign choice, and chunking (paragraphing).
- Assessment: Mid-Year Examinations
- Paper 1: Language in context (Comprehension, Summary, Visual Literacy).
- Paper 2: Literature (Contextual poems, Unseen poem, Short stories).
Term 3: Meetings, Storytelling, and Research Projects
Focus: Term 3 emphasizes procedural communication such as meeting procedures and storytelling, alongside a major literature project.
- Weeks 1–4: Meetings and Storytelling
- Procedures: Features and conventions of meetings and meeting procedures.
- Signing: Storytelling skills, including planning and practicing.
- Literature: Analysis of the short story “Time” (themes, messages, ironic twist, and conflict).
- Weeks 5–8: Project and Unseen Poetry
- Project: Literature Assignment/Project involving research techniques.
- Literature: Analysis of Unseen Poetry.
- Recording: Recording requests, formal/informal reports, news items, or magazine items.
- Weeks 9–11: Prepared Presentation and Review
- Presentation: Task 9 (Prepared Presentation).
- Revision: Reviewing poetry and literary essays (PEEL method).
Term 4: Debate, Revision, and Final Examinations
Focus: The final term focuses on advanced oral interactions like debates and panel discussions, followed by comprehensive revision for the final exams.
- Weeks 1–3: Debate and Panel Discussions
- Interaction: Features and conventions of debates and panel discussions.
- Protocol: Introducing a signer/speaker and giving a vote of thanks.
- Literature: Analysis of the poem “Mud to magic”.
- Weeks 4–6: Revision
- Prep: Revision of comprehension, summary, language structures, and all literature genres (Short stories and Poetry).
- Assessment: End-of-Year Examinations
- Paper 1 (Language): Comprehension, Summary, Visual Literacy (Advert/Cartoon) (70 marks).
- Paper 2 (Literature): Contextual poems, Unseen poem, and Short Stories (80 marks).
- Paper 3 (Recording): Essays (Narrative/Descriptive/Argumentative) and Transactional texts (100 marks).
- Paper 4 (Observing and Signing): Formal assessment of observing and signing skills (50 marks).
FAQ: South African Sign Language HL Grade 10
Q: How is “Writing” assessed in SASL HL?
A: In SASL, “Writing” is replaced by Recording. Learners are assessed on their ability to plan, draft, and record signed essays and transactional texts (like vlogs, speeches, or reports) on video.
Q: What literature genres are covered in Grade 10?
A: Learners study Poetry (e.g., “Inner Language”, “Soweto”, “Mud to magic”) and Short Stories (e.g., “Snapshots”, “Time”).
Q: What is “Chunking” in SASL?
A: Chunking is the SASL equivalent of paragraphing in written languages. It involves organizing signed content into logical sections using pauses, spatial placement, and non-manual features to separate ideas.