Dear Ms. Chang,
It is interesting that you should ask this question as British Columbia transitions from our current curriculum, which has seen only incremental change over the past several years, to a transformed curriculum to be launched this year, in September. While you will be visiting us prior to the official implementation date, our school has sought to get a head start on the process – not only has this allowed us to transition smoothly into the new curriculum, but we also see the new curriculum as an important step forward for our students. In my view, by responding and adapting to societal change and focusing more on social and emotional development, the curriculum promotes a much-needed balance between personal well-being and professional success.
Controversially, the transformed curriculum has moved away from an emphasis on factual knowledge – the value of which is hard to rank and ever-changing – to an approach that emphasizes effective communication, meaningful collaboration, creative thinking, personal reflection, and positive personal identities and interactions. Unlike those who criticize the curriculum for being “anti-knowledge”, I see the new approach as being long overdue – possessing such skills and competencies, students are capable of independently or collaboratively researching, analyzing, and generating knowledge of all kinds. Literacy clearly remains a fundamental focus of the new curriculum, although it has been broadened to include text, number and financial, visual, and digital literacy, reflecting evolving social and professional skill-needs. Ultimately, as educators our goal is to equip students to successfully navigate their personal, social, and professional futures and to encourage the development of informed and engaged global citizens. In my view and experience, the competency- and skill-based approach of the new curriculum does this well and need not compromise the acquisition of important knowledge.
While we accord teachers and students much flexibility in terms of subject matter covered, there are certain topics and issues specific to Canada which should be explored by all students, including: the settlement of Canada; the Canadian legal and political systems; First Nations histories and current realities; Canadian engagement abroad; and Canadian demographic diversity (e.g. culture, ethnicity, and religion). We also encourage student consideration of important current events, allowing teachers the freedom and flexibility to incorporate such content as they see fit (e.g. discussions, lessons, and projects). Students have their own insights and opinions to share, which must be recognized and valued if they are to become engaged citizens.
Finally, while 30 minutes of daily physical activity is currently required for all grades, implementation of this initiative has been spotty at best. Given the fundamental importance of exercise to physical and mental health, we ensure that our students have at least 30 minutes a day of varied and inclusive physical activity.
I hope that this answers your question! If not, please feel free to ask for clarification and/or further information.
Looking forward to meeting you in person,
Alexis Cassap-Hanson