Ontario to Implement Compulsory Black History Education.

In observance of Black History Month, the Ontario government is rolling out compulsory curriculum enhancements for Grades 7, 8, and 10 history courses. Beginning September 2025, students will delve into the integral roles and rich history of Black Canadians in shaping Canada.

These updates mark the first time that Grades 7, 8, and 10 history syllabi will incorporate mandatory modules dedicated to spotlighting Black history as an inseparable part of Canada’s narrative. Emphasizing the diverse Black communities’ contributions, both pre- and post-Confederation, the curriculum aims to underscore the profound impact of Black individuals on Canada’s emergence as a nation, despite enduring significant challenges along the way.

The initiative seeks to deepen students’ understanding of Canada’s journey towards democracy, inclusivity, and prosperity by acknowledging and honoring the enduring legacy of Black Canadians.

Over the upcoming year, the ministry plans to engage in consultations with historians, educators, and members of the Black community to shape the forthcoming curriculum enhancements.

Furthermore, Ontario remains committed to refining its curriculum to equip students with practical job skills and relevant knowledge essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. Given the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing prominence of entrepreneurship, the province is set to introduce a revamped curriculum in the forthcoming school year. This initiative aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the dynamic job landscape of the future.

Over the upcoming year, the ministry plans to engage in consultations with historians, educators, and members of the Black community to shape the forthcoming curriculum enhancements.

Furthermore, Ontario remains committed to refining its curriculum to equip students with practical job skills and relevant knowledge essential for success in both academic and real-world settings. Given the rapid evolution of technology and the increasing prominence of entrepreneurship, the province is set to introduce a revamped curriculum in the forthcoming school year. This initiative aims to ensure that students are adequately prepared for the dynamic job landscape of the future.

• Technological Education, Grades 9 and 10 – Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, high school students 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) – As part of the continued commitment to de-streaming the Grade 9 program, 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.