Ontario Curriculum (Canada)

The Ontario Curriculum in Canada provides a comprehensive, progressive, and inclusive education framework for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and skill development across a variety of subjects, with a focus on preparing students for lifelong learning, responsible citizenship, and post-secondary opportunities. The curriculum is organized by grades and subjects and aligns with national standards while allowing for local flexibility.

1. Structure of the Ontario Curriculum

The curriculum is divided into several key stages:

• Early Years (Kindergarten)
• Primary and Junior Divisions (Grades 1-6)
• Intermediate Division (Grades 7-8)
• Secondary School (Grades 9-12)

The curriculum covers core academic subjects, languages, arts, physical education, and career-focused pathways in high school, along with cross-curricular competencies such as digital literacy and global awareness.

2. Ontario Curriculum by Key Stages and Subjects

Early Years (Kindergarten)

• Focus: Play-based learning, social skills, early literacy, and numeracy, and fostering curiosity about the world.
• Core Areas:
  • Personal and Social Development: Developing social skills, self-awareness, and empathy.
  • Language: Basic vocabulary, storytelling, and phonetic awareness.
  • Mathematics: Counting, shapes, sorting, and early problem-solving.
  • Science and Technology: Observing nature, sensory exploration, and simple experiments.
  • The Arts: Visual art, music, movement, and drama for creative expression.
  • Health and Physical Activity: Gross and fine motor skills, coordination, and active play.

Primary and Junior Divisions (Grades 1-6)

• Core Subjects:

  • English Language: Reading comprehension, writing, oral communication, vocabulary, and grammar.
  • Mathematics: Number sense, basic operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, data management, and introduction to algebraic thinking.
  • Science and Technology: Inquiry-based learning in topics such as life systems (plants and animals), structures and mechanisms, earth and space, and energy.
  • Social Studies: Local communities, Canada’s geography, history, citizenship, and cultural diversity.
  • French as a Second Language (FSL): Basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in French.
  • The Arts: Visual arts, music, dance, and drama to foster creativity and self-expression.
  • Health and Physical Education (HPE): Personal fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, health education, and social-emotional learning.

• Learning Focus: Building foundational skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies with an emphasis on problem-solving, creativity, and personal development.

Intermediate Division (Grades 7-8)

• Core Subjects:

  • English Language: Advanced reading comprehension, writing (narrative, persuasive, expository), grammar, and literary analysis.
  • Mathematics: Ratios, percentages, more complex algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis.
  • Science and Technology: Deeper exploration of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, with hands-on experiments and critical thinking.
  • History and Geography: Canadian history (e.g., Confederation, First Nations history), world geography, ecosystems, and environmental studies.
  • French as a Second Language (FSL): Expanded vocabulary, conversation, grammar, and French culture.
  • The Arts: Exploring different art forms, music theory, drama techniques, and dance.
  • Health and Physical Education (HPE): Personal fitness, mental health awareness, substance abuse prevention, and developing lifelong fitness habits.

• Learning Focus: Developing independence in learning, analytical skills, and preparing students for high school with interdisciplinary projects and problem-based learning.

Secondary School (Grades 9-12)

Students in high school can choose between academic, applied, and locally developed courses in Grades 9 and 10, and university preparation, college preparation, and workplace courses in Grades 11 and 12. This pathway system allows students to align their studies with future career goals, whether in higher education, vocational training, or the workforce.

• Core Subjects in Grades 9-10:

  • English Language: Literature analysis, advanced writing (essays, reports), research skills, and oral presentations.
  • Mathematics: Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, data management, and introductory calculus.
  • Science: Biology, chemistry, physics, earth and space sciences, with an emphasis on lab work and scientific inquiry.
  • Geography (Grade 9): Physical geography, human geography, environmental impacts, and global issues.
  • History (Grade 10): Canadian history since World War I, including key historical events, social changes, and global connections.
  • French as a Second Language (FSL): Communication skills, grammar, French literature, and Francophone cultures.
  • The Arts: Specializations in visual arts, music, drama, and dance, focusing on technique and artistic expression.
  • Health and Physical Education (HPE): Personal fitness, wellness, sports, nutrition, and mental health education.

• Specialization and Electives in Grades 11-12:

  • Sciences: Options for advanced Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and Earth Sciences.
  • Mathematics: Advanced Functions, Calculus and Vectors, Data Management, and College Math pathways.
  • English and Literature: English Studies, Media Studies, Creative Writing, and Communications.
  • Social Sciences: World History, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Law, Psychology, and Anthropology.
  • Languages: French, Spanish, German, and other international language options.
  • The Arts: Advanced courses in Visual Arts, Media Arts, Music (instrumental and vocal), Dance, and Theatre Arts.
  • Health and Physical Education: Personal fitness, recreation, health science, and kinesiology.
  • Business Studies: Accounting, Marketing, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Economics.
  • Technological Education: Courses in Automotive, Construction, Communications, Information Technology, and Culinary Arts.
  • Cooperative Education (Co-op): Work placements to gain practical experience and career skills.
  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): Industry-focused programs in fields like Health and Wellness, Information Technology, Business, and Arts and Culture.

• Assessment and Graduation Requirements: Students must earn 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional), complete 40 hours of community service, and pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) to graduate and receive the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

3. General Competencies in the Ontario Curriculum

The Ontario curriculum integrates core competencies and cross-curricular skills to develop well-rounded, capable individuals:

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Emphasis on analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and making informed decisions across subjects.
• Digital Literacy and ICT Skills: Integration of technology in learning, digital citizenship, and safe internet use.
• Creativity and Innovation: Encouraging creative expression and innovation in projects, arts, and sciences.
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL): Developing resilience, empathy, and emotional regulation through health and wellness education.
• Environmental Stewardship and Global Awareness: Teaching sustainability, environmental responsibility, and an understanding of global cultures and issues.

4. Assessment and Evaluation in the Ontario Curriculum

Ontario follows a balanced assessment and evaluation approach, which includes:

• Formative Assessments: Regular quizzes, assignments, group projects, and feedback throughout the year to support ongoing learning.
• Summative Assessments: End-of-term exams, final projects, and practical assessments that measure achievement in each subject.
• Standardized Testing: Includes provincial assessments conducted by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO):
  • Grade 3 and 6 Assessments: Reading, writing, and mathematics.
  • Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics.
  • Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT): A graduation requirement typically taken in Grade 10.

5. Key Features of the Ontario Curriculum

• Flexible Pathways: The curriculum provides multiple pathways, including university, college, workplace, and apprenticeship tracks, allowing students to pursue education that aligns with their interests and career goals.
• Emphasis on Equity and Inclusion: The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, respecting the diversity of cultures, languages, and learning needs across Ontario.
• Focus on Skills for the Future: Digital literacy, critical thinking, environmental education, and interdisciplinary learning prepare students for a rapidly changing world.
• Community Engagement: The 40-hour community service requirement fosters social responsibility and engagement with the community.
• Holistic Development: Emphasis on arts, sports, emotional well-being, and citizenship, creating a well-rounded educational experience.