Days before the new school year begins, teachers and students are preparing for the roll-out of a brand new curriculum.
Just under 530,000 public and 82,000 independent school students will head to class on Tuesday, Sept. 6 for their first day of school. Once the bell rings, teachers will begin instructing a new curriculum designed for “the changing world”, says the Ministry of Education.
The new curriculum for kindergarten to grade nine will be fully implemented this September and feature six core competencies: communication, creative thinking, critical thinking, positive person and cultural identity, personal awareness and responsibility, and social responsibility.
It will also bring computer coding into schools.
READ MORE: New curriculum offers B.C. students coding basics
“More than just working with computers, it’s a way of teaching critical thinking and logic skills crucial for success in tech careers and in almost every other field,” said Education Minister Mike Bernier in a statement. “We are providing $6 million for teacher training and technology purchases for schools to bring coding and the new curriculum to life.”
The grade 10 to 12 draft curriculum will also be rolled out this year for optional use and feedback.
The way children learn will be shifted to hands-on experiences and real-world situations, but maintain a focus on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
“Students will still learn the basics – reading, writing and math – but in a way that connects them to collaboration, communication and critical-thinking skills. These are the skills universities, colleges and employers tell us they are looking for,” added Bernier.
The government is also touting a new $250 Back to School Tax Credit that will be included in the 2017 budget, pending approval of the legislature.
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