Students heading back to class this week will benefit from several new resources to enhance learning and school life, says Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Hal Perry.
“Government remains committed to high quality education which is essential to the development of a strong society and prosperous economy,” said Minister Perry.
The provincial government will invest more than $235 million in K-12 programs this year to prepare almost 20,000 students for success in higher learning and the workforce.
“Our educators are to be commended for the strides they are making to keep learning engaging in a rapidly changing environment, while maintaining a primary focus on foundational skills such as literacy, math and science,” Minister Perry said.
The Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture has responsibility for developing curriculum and keeping it current and relevant, in order to prepare students for success after graduation.
Students entering high school this fall will complete new graduation requirements that better prepare graduates for success in post-secondary education and the world of work. This will require students in the English Language School Board to take credits in physical education, career education, creativity and innovation, and Canadian social studies.
In French programs, new grades 4 and 5 Core French is being introduced to increase French second language student motivation and confidence in using French in their daily lives. The new curriculum that will now be used in all Grade 4 Core French classes across the province is based on the literacy approach, and includes increased intensity of instruction time, going from 30 minutes per day to 60 minutes every two days. Half of the province’s Grade five classes will also use the new curriculum.
A dual credit economics course is back for a second year in Island high schools. Economics 621 allows students to simultaneously earn a high school and post-secondary credit. Students who successfully complete ECO621A may be exempt from taking the equivalent course at Holland College which is a core course or an elective in several programs.
Minister Perry encourages parents to stay involved in their children’s learning and their school. “Parents have a powerful influence over their children’s learning,” the minister said. “Parents should stay in close contact with their child’s teacher and support good homework practices at home.”
Education programs are delivered by more than 1,500 teachers, along with hundreds of educational assistants, youth service works, school bus drivers, and school support staff.
Several capital repairs were completed over the summer months at a cost of $1.2 million. A new $110,000 gym floor was installed at East Wiltshire Intermediate; roof replacement work was completed at Bluefield and ME Callaghan schools at a cost of $200,000; and a new $260,000 boiler stack was put in at Queen Elizabeth Elementary. More than $13 million will be invested in capital projects this year. The $10 million expansion and renovation of École François-Buote and Carrefour de l'Isle Saint Jean will be complete this fall.
Teachers returned to their schools on September 2nd to complete preparations and attend orientation and in-service sessions. There are 181 instructional days for students in the new academic year. The last day of classes in 2015 is December 22 and students will return January 4. The 2016 March Break is March 18 to 24. For more back-to-school information, and to download the 2015-2016 school calendar, visit www.gov.pe.ca/backtoschool
Backgrounder
New curriculum for the 2015-2016 school year
French programs
● Grades 1-4 Social Studies
● Grades 7-8 French First Language
● Grades 7-8 Science
● Grades 7-9 Late French Immersion
● Grade 10 Career Education
● Grade 10 Social Studies
● Histoire 421
● Géo 621
English programs
● Grade 11 and 12 English
● Grade 11 Phys Ed
● Ancient and Medieval History
● Accounting 621
● Business 701
● New high school automotive and welding curriculum to support students entering apprenticeships and skilled trades programs.
New graduation requirements
High school graduation requirements in the French Language School Board remain unchanged.
The new compulsory credits for the English Language School Board include:
Physical education (PED401A)
The required physical education course will help students increase their physical activity, along with learning about wellness, healthy eating, conflict resolution and community service. The purpose of Physical Education 10 is to develop confident and competent students who understand, appreciate, engage, and sustain a balanced, healthy, and active lifestyle.
Career education and personal development
Students will be required to take the Career Exploration and Opportunities (CEO) Grade 10 course which enables students to develop skills to become self-directed individuals who set goals, make thoughtful decisions, and take responsibility for pursuing their goals throughout life. French immersion students may choose to take CAR421F which contains similar subject matter. These courses have a financial literacy component and are designed to help students learn the skills they need to pursue their goals throughout life.
Creativity and innovation courses
Students will also be required to choose from a list of courses that foster creativity or innovation. Creativity is a prime source of innovation, which is the main driver of economic growth and prosperity. Fostering creativity in youth helps develop well-rounded learners who can express ideas, thoughts, and knowledge in new and innovative ways.