Ontario Curriculum

In March of 1999, after ten years of study, planning and development, the Ontario Ministry of Education officially released its New Ontario Curriculum. The new system unveiled a seamless curriculum from kindergarten through to grade 12, a curriculum which was benchmarked against the best in the world and designed to provide students with the skills they needed to compete and succeed in the 21st century. A team of writers in any given subject was comprised of 100 contributors, with representation from high school teachers, colleges and universities, the business sector and the community.

Today, the curriculum is fully implemented in Ontario, Canada and in Ontario-accredited schools throughout the world.

The Ontario curriculum is forward-thinking. An examination of some of its components will show, for example, that it is a relevant, rigorous and rewarding system.

Relevance

Senior students choose a workplace, college or university stream of study and are well instructed by highly qualified teachers as they prepare for their chosen destinations. Students with special needs and English as a second language learners are provided with programs tailored to their individual needs.

Rigour

High standards are expected of graduating students. All graduates must successfully sit a literacy test as a requirement to earn a Secondary School Diploma. In addition, the elementary and secondary curriculum requires students to develop higher order thinking and learning skills. Teachers are required to keep current and must take professional development courses to maintain their certification.

Reward

Students are taught to take responsibility for themselves and others. With the support of an extensive Teacher Advisor Program (from grades 7 – 12) students are encouraged to independently assess and direct their learning, to set goals and to investigate career possibilities. Furthermore, high school graduates are expected to have completed a minimum of 40 hours of community service as a diploma requirement.

The Ontario system expects that students will be well schooled in the skills necessary for them to take their place as individuals in the Canadian and global community. The system prepares them to make a living and a life for themselves and to make a difference to others.