Grade 8 South African Sign Language (SASL) Home Language is a critical year in the Senior Phase, serving as a bridge to FET Phase linguistic and literary analysis. The curriculum focuses on developing signed vocabulary and grammar, mastering visual literature analysis, and producing creative signed content. To ensure you stay on track with your signed presentations, literature studies, and language tasks, it is essential to consult the full Grade 8 Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs).
This article outlines the 2026 SASL HL Grade 8 ATP, breaking down the weekly focus areas for teachers and learners, covering everything from Visual Analysis and The Creative Recording Project to the final End-of-Year Examinations.
Download ATP Here in pdf format
Download ATP HereSASL HL Grade 8 ATP 2026
The Annual Teaching Plan is divided into four terms, balancing observing, signing, visual reading, and recording skills with a deep focus on SASL linguistics.
Download: South African Sign Language HL Grade 8 ATP 2026 PDF
Term 1: Visual and Signed Reports
Focus: The first term establishes foundational signed vocabulary and grammar, and introduces the critical analysis of signed and visual news reports.
- Observing & Signing:
- Observe a News Report to identify the signer’s purpose, main message, and persuasive techniques.
- Use signed strategies like pre-observing, during observing (note-taking), and post-observing (discussion).
- Visual Reading & Viewing:
- “Read” non-fiction texts (e.g., News/Magazine items), using skimming and scanning to infer meaning and distinguish fact from opinion.
- Analyze the effectiveness of colour, camera technique, and lighting in visual texts.
- Recording:
- Record a News Item/Report or Advertisement using semi-formal/formal language.
- Focus on factual accuracy and collecting/organizing information.
- Language Structures:
- Phonology: Parameters, minimal pairs, and the type of signs.
- Morphology: Nouns, adjectives, and indicating verbs.
Term 2: Narrative and Descriptive Texts
Focus: Developing advanced narrative and descriptive signed skills, and working with complex literature texts.
- Observing & Signing:
- Observe signed narratives (stories/monologues). Identify and discuss main message, character, plot, and setting.
- Develop Prepared Presentation skills using sign size/modulation, pace, and non-manual features (NMFs).
- Visual Reading & Viewing:
- “Read” signed Stories/Monologues/Poems. Analyze key literary features and identify figurative meaning and theme.
- Recording:
- Record a Narrative or Descriptive Essay. Establish time frames (past, present, future) and use descriptive elements to sustain interest.
- Record a Diary Entry/Vlog (transactional text) to reflect on a daily event.
- Language Structures:
- Morphology: Noun-verb pairs (e.g., BROOM vs. SWEEP) and classifiers (pluralisation).
- Syntax/Semantics: Tenses, simple/complex sentences, synonyms, metaphors, and role shift.
Term 3: Interviewing and Creative Project
Focus: Advanced communication skills through interviewing and the execution of the major Creative Recording Project.
- Observing & Signing:
- Observe an Interview. Use role shift to represent the interviewer and interviewee, and discuss the interviewee’s character and experiences.
- Observe a Dialogue/Negotiation to understand turn-taking rules and conflict resolution.
- Visual Reading & Viewing:
- “Read” texts related to Interviews (e.g., written/visual reports) and Dialogue/Drama excerpts.
- Compile a bibliography for the Creative Recording Project.
- Recording:
- Record an Interview or Dialogue.
- Execute the Creative Recording Project (Essay, Presentation, or Signed Text) based on the literature studied. This is the major written/signed assessment for the term.
- Language Structures:
- Reinforce Syntax (tenses, adjectives, pronouns) and Semantics (literal/figurative language, homonyms).
Term 4: Instructions, Meetings, and Final Revision
Focus: Recording instructional texts, formal meeting procedures, and consolidation for the end-of-year examination.
- Observing & Signing:
- Observe Instructions/Directions signed using chronological order and the imperative form.
- Observe a Meeting (signed debate/discussion).
- Visual Reading & Viewing:
- Read visual texts like maps, graphs, and infographics for information.
- Read texts related to meeting procedures (agendas/minutes).
- Recording:
- Record Instructions/Directions or the Agenda and Minutes of a meeting.
- Assessment:
- Oral (Paper 1): Final assessment of the Signed Presentation of the Project (20 marks).
- Recording (Paper 3): Final assessment of Transactional Recording (20 marks) (e.g., CV/Cover Letter/Obituary/Affidavit).
- End-of-Year Examination (Paper 2): Response to Texts (70 marks) covering all language and comprehension skills taught throughout the year.
FAQ: SASL HL Grade 8
Q: What is the Creative Recording Project in Term 3? A: This is a formal assessment task (Task 6) where learners must conduct research and record a creative response based on one of the three literature genres studied during the semester (Poem, Novel, or Short Stories). The entire task is weighted at 50 marks (research/planning and recording).
Q: How are SASL essays assessed? A: SASL essays (Tasks 2 and 6) are usually assessed on their ability to use appropriate signed conventions, time markers (chronology), signed vocabulary, and descriptive elements (e.g., classifiers) to convey meaning clearly, much like written essays are assessed for grammar and structure.
Q: Is there an oral exam at the end of the year? A: Yes, the Oral assessment (Paper 1, 20 marks) is the Signed Presentation of the Project (Task 7) which is finalized and recorded by the end of Term 4.