Grade 10 students heading back to class this week will benefit from an innovative and flexible new curriculum, better preparing them for college, university and the workforce.
“Teachers and students are already experiencing the benefits of the personalized, flexible nature of the new curriculum up to Grade 9,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Education. “The new Grade 10 curriculum offers opportunities for teachers to engage their students in new and innovative ways of learning and to foster creativity. It truly is an exciting time for education in B.C. and I look forward to the positive impact this will have on student success.”
The introduction of the Grade 10 curriculum this school year follows the successful implementation of the new K-9 curriculum in September 2016. Consistent with the K-9 curriculum, the new Grade 10 curriculum also includes Indigenous content and perspectives across all subjects.
“The renewed B.C. Grade 10 curriculum enables teachers to provide a multitude of learning experiences for students,” said Suzanne Hoffman, superintendent of schools at the Vancouver School Board (SD 39). “By providing flexibility, teachers and students can more fully explore areas of interest in an effort to engage students and improve outcomes.”
With students back to class this week, school districts throughout the province are already reporting innovative applications of the new Grade 10 curriculum. For example:
* Vancouver School Board (SD 39)
Templeton and John Oliver secondary schools are running STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs that will see Grade 10 students undertake a variety of projects, including those involving off-grid solar tracking panels, underwater remote-operated vehicles and autonomous robots.
* Nanaimo-Ladysmith (SD 68)
Dover Bay Secondary is offering new courses to help students meet the requirements of the physical and health education 10 curriculum, including dance fitness. Through a dance focus, students will be supported to develop lifelong skills in physical activity. Students will also explore topics like healthy living and eating, as well as sexual health.
* Arrow Lakes (SD 10)
Lucerne Elementary Secondary school is giving students in Grade 10 an opportunity to explore a variety of subjects in an immersive and hands-on manner. For example, students studying geology will spend a week in the field learning from local community experts.
Quick Facts:
* B.C.’s curriculum has been redesigned to offer more personalized learning opportunities to better meet the diverse needs of all students.
* The new curriculum is helping students feel more connected and engaged with what they are studying so they have a better chance of success.
* It focuses on hands-on learning, as well as building collaboration, critical thinking and communication skills to help learners better prepare for college, university and the workforce.
* It provides teachers with flexibility while also retaining the high standards expected in foundational courses like math, science and English.
* Indigenous content and perspectives have been built into all grades and subjects, from math and science to arts and social studies. There are 17 First Nations languages with approved curriculum to be taught in B.C. schools, and there are six more in development.
* In the 2017-18 school year, the number of classes with more than 30 students decreased by 45% compared to the year before.
* The new Grades 11 and 12 curricula and revised B.C. Graduation Program will be implemented in September 2019.