Ajax (Feb 8) – The Ontario government announced that it is introducing new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history on the exceptional contributions and history of Black Canadians who helped build the country.
Starting in September 2025, Grades 7, 8 and 10 history classes will include mandatory learning with an emphasis on elevating Black history as Canadian history, by highlighting the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development of Canada.
“Black history is Canadian history,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “By mandating learning on the contributions Black individuals made to our country’s founding and success, the next generation of Canadians will better appreciate the sacrifice, patriotic commitment and long-lasting contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada.”
Over the next year, the ministry will consult with historians, educators and the Black community, which will inform the new learning.
“It’s important that all students learn about Black communities in Canada and their enormous impact on the growth of our country. Black people have been a part of the Canadian story since the 1600s,” added Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.
The province also announced that it is introducing updated curriculum starting in the next school year to prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow.
“As the economy and technology continue to change, we will continue to modernize curriculum, with an emphasis on STEM education, so students have the skills and confidence to graduate into good-paying jobs,” Lecce stated.
The following updates to the curriculum are being implemented in September:
- Technological Education, Grades 9 and 10 – Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, high schoolers will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. These two hands-on courses will help students explore and apply the engineering design process and fundamental technological concepts. These skills will give students an opportunity to explore programs and training pathways that can lead to a variety of STEM-related careers, including the skilled trades.
- Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Grade 9 and Launching and Leading a Business, Grade 10 – In these two new experiential courses, students will begin to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and learn the importance of taking initiative, adapting to change, finding creative solutions to issues, and understanding the financial considerations of entrepreneurship. For example, the Grade 10 course will give students real-life experience on starting and running a business.
- Exploring Canadian Geography, Grade 9 (de-streamed) – This course allows students to examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources, careers, as well as land use and sustainability. It will provide students with an understanding of the connections between STEM and Canada’s natural environment as it connects to Canadian identity and values.
- Career Studies, Grade 10 – As announced in May 2023, the ministry is revising the Grade 10 Career Studies course to include additional mandatory learning on mental health literacy. The revised course will help students learn how to recognize signs of being overwhelmed or struggling, as well as where to find help locally when needed.
- English, Grade 9 – This revised course for French-language schools is aligned with the Grade 9 English course for English-language schools, based on the same structure and strands. It will enable students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication.
