Today we live in a state of constant change. It is a technology-rich world, where communication is instant and information is immediately accessible. The way we interact with each other personally, socially, and at work has changed forever. Knowledge is growing and information is changing extremely quickly, creating new possibilities. This is the world our students are entering.
British Columbia’s curriculum is being modernized to respond to this demanding world. To develop new models, the Ministry consulted with education experts both locally and internationally. They agree that to prepare students for the future, the curriculum must be student-centred and flexible, and maintain a focus on literacy and math skills, while supporting deeper learning.
What and how we teach our students has been redesigned to provide greater flexibility for teachers, while allowing space and time for students to develop their skills and explore their passions and interests. The deep understanding and application of knowledge is at the centre of the new model, as opposed to the memory and recall of facts that previously shaped education around the globe for many decades.
Our new curriculum maintains a focus on sound foundations of literacy and math skills.
Every student will continue to be connected to the basics of reading, writing and math. These critical skills are the foundation of B.C.’s education system, and are a key component of developing an educated citizen.
B.C. students are at the centre of these changes, and ensuring their success continues to be our driving force.
Key Features of the New Curriculum
Essential learning, literacy and math skills are the foundation of our new curriculum. All three features contribute to deeper learning.
Core Competencies are the intellectual, personal, and social skills that all students need to develop for success in life beyond school. B.C. has identified three Core Competencies as essential for all learners:
• Communication
• Thinking
• Personal and Social Competency
Core Competencies are directly related to students becoming educated citizens.
• Read about the Core Competencies, including profiles and illustrations
Literacy and Math Skills Foundations
Literacy is the ability to understand, critically analyze, and create a variety of forms of communication, including oral, written, visual, digital, and multimedia, in order to accomplish one’s goals. Literacy helps students apply reading, writing, speaking and listening skills across a variety of subject areas.
Math skills, or numeracy is the ability to understand and apply mathematical concepts, processes, and skills to solve problems and make decisions in a variety of situations, including real-life scenarios. Numeracy assessment looks at learning which has taken place throughout the student’s education, not only in mathematics, but across various subjects.
Literacy and math skills are fundamental to all learning. While they are commonly associated with language learning and mathematics, literacy and math skills are applied in all areas of learning.
Source: BC Ministry of Education