Serbia 8th Grade Curriculum - English Language

Curriculum Overview

The English language curriculum for 8th grade in Serbia focuses on developing comprehensive language skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students in 8th grade typically range from 13 to 15 years old. English is usually the first foreign language introduced to Serbian students, starting in the first grade. A second foreign language is typically added by the fifth grade. In the 7th and 8th grades, some schools offer bilingual classes where English or French is used as a second language of instruction. These special classes require students to pass a specific language test for enrollment.

Subjects and Textbooks

English language instruction is allocated 2 hours per week in Serbian primary schools. Schools select textbooks from a Ministry-approved list, with over ten options available. One resource for English language learning materials is The English Book, which offers textbooks from publishers like Oxford and Macmillan.

Final Exams and Assessment

At the end of 8th grade, students take a final exam (završni ispit) to complete compulsory basic education. This exam includes Serbian language, mathematics, and one elective subject. The final exam takes place in June. Students can earn a maximum of 40 points on the test itself and up to 60 points based on their average marks from 6th to 8th grade. One example of an 8th-grade English test includes exercises such as translating words, forming sentences, and practicing past simple vs. continuous tense.

Learning Resources

Various learning resources are available for 8th-grade English in Serbia. The U.S. Embassy in Serbia offers the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) program, providing free access to teaching and learning materials. Other resources include Fishtank Learning, which offers an ELA curriculum focused on developing critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Additional resources for learning Serbian are available, such as Ling and Mondly, which offer structured lessons on basic grammar and vocabulary.