It was in Year 8 only that I learned French as it was supposed to be an easier language to learn than German, the only 2 choices at that time in the year of 1968. I passed the exam ok as I had to do it alone as I was the only oral deaf in High school. I had to do it alone, no interpreter. It was fun at first learning a different language but the novelty worn off, luckily it was only for a year.
Right now, my hearing niece who is in Year 8 is learning Auslan as a language subject. Good on her! (But I don't sign, only a few basics) 