Israeli English Curriculum 2020: Grades 7-9 Teacher's Guide

English Curriculum 2020

Grades 7-9 Overview for Teachers

State of Israel - Ministry of Education

English Language Education

Curriculum Framework Overview

Aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)

Action-oriented approach: students learn through meaningful tasks in real-life contexts

Four interrelated constituents: Core Document, Can-Do Statements, Lexical Bands, Grammar Bands

Grades 7-9 correspond to Basic User II (A2) level

Focus on communicative competence and language use in context

Big-Picture Learning Vision

Prepare students to communicate effectively in English for academic, professional, and social success in a globalized world

Develop communicative competence across all language skills

Build vocabulary and grammar for fluent, natural discourse

Foster plurilingual and pluricultural awareness

Enable smooth transition to high school and higher education

Levels of Progression: Grades 7-9

Basic User II

A2

Intermediate

Exit level for junior high school and 3-point Bagrut

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance

Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring direct exchange of information

Can describe aspects of background, immediate environment, and matters of immediate need

Communicative Language Activities

Reception

Listening & Reading comprehension

Production

Speaking & Writing

Interaction

Spoken, Written & Online

Mediation

Relaying information to others

Skills Progression: Grade 7 to Grade 9

Grade 7 (Entry A2)

Basic comprehension of everyday texts

Simple descriptions and narratives

Routine conversations on familiar topics

Grade 9 (Exit A2)

Understanding main ideas in varied texts

Connected writing with clear organization

Extended discussions and presentations

Vocabulary Component: Lexical Band II

2,000

800

3,400

2,000

Core I: Grade 7 - Mid-Grade 8

Core II: Mid-Grade 8 - End Grade 9

Includes single words and lexical chunks selected by frequency and relevance

Grammar Component: Band II

Grammar Band II covers all structures for Grades 7-9, aligned with Basic User II (A2)

Mostly Receptive

Understand general message; produce memorized chunks

Emerging Usage

Understand main message; begin creative production with errors

Evolving Accuracy

Full comprehension; usage in varied contexts with minor errors

Mostly Correct

Full comprehension; accurate production with occasional errors

Can-Do Statements: Reception Skills

Spoken Reception (Listening)

Can understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters

Can follow announcements, instructions, and directions

Can understand films and TV when language is clear and straightforward

Written Reception (Reading)

Can read short, simple texts and find specific information

Can understand personal correspondence describing events and feelings

Can read simple stories and identify main events and characters

Can-Do Statements: Production Skills

Spoken Production

Can describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions

Can give brief explanations for opinions and plans

Can make short announcements with appropriate prosody

Written Production

Can write connected texts on familiar topics

Can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions

Can write short reports presenting factual information

Can-Do Statements: Interaction Skills

Spoken Interaction

Can handle simple exchanges in shops, post offices, or banks

Can take part in conversations on topics of personal interest

Written Interaction

Can write personal correspondence conveying news and feelings

Can take and leave simple messages

Online Interaction

Can participate in online discussions using simple language

Can make posts and respond to comments on familiar topics

Assessment Approach

Formative Assessment

Ongoing feedback to inform teaching and learning

Summative Assessment

Evaluation against preset standards at end of units

Multiple methods used for collecting evidence over time

Learners are familiar with assessment criteria

Self-assessment and peer-assessment encouraged

Rubrics and checklists used for oral and written tasks

Grading and Reporting

A2 / Basic User II

Exit level for 3-point Bagrut

Can-do statements define transparent, attainable goals for learners

Progress measured against CEFR-aligned descriptors

Assessment tools are valid and reliable

Feedback benefits learners and informs instruction

Teachers take measures to minimize test anxiety

Teaching Principles for Grades 7-9

Maximum exposure to target language through varied spoken and written texts

Build on learners' world knowledge and linguistic resources (L1, additional languages)

Practice grammar and vocabulary in focused, meaningful, contextualized tasks

Set and meet lexical targets with frequent recycling activities

Provide opportunities for peer interaction through pair and group work

Encourage reflection and metacognitive awareness

Key Takeaways for Teachers

Grades 7-9 aim for Basic User II (A2) exit level, aligned with CEFR standards

Can-do statements provide transparent, measurable learning goals

Vocabulary targets: 3,400 cumulative receptive / 2,000 cumulative productive words

Grammar progresses through four levels from receptive to accurate production

Assessment combines formative and summative approaches with learner involvement

Access supporting documents: Can-Do Statements (A2), Lexical Band II, Grammar Band II