Guide To The Canadian School Curriculum In Hong Kong And Schools!

WHAT IS THE CANADIAN CURRICULUM?

Explaining The Canadian School Curriculum In Hong Kong

• The Canadian Curriculum is mostly known as the Ontario Curriculum. The Alberta province of Canada also has its own Alberta Curriculum model, which is considered the Canadian Curriculum by some international schools outside of Canada. The Canadian Curriculum prepares students to enter into the technological global economy. Students are also prepared to enter into skilled trades and to become informed, responsible, and active citizens in their communities. It’s one of the best international curriculums globally.
• The Canadian Curriculum is underpinned by the core values of the ‘Six C’s of Education: Connectivity/character education - traits like honesty, respect, responsibility, and self-confidence are developed in students
  • Citizenship/culture - students develop sensitivity to other cultures and gain global knowledge
  • Communication - listening, speaking, and writing skills are developed
  • Critical thinking - students learn how to problem-solve, think analytically, and make informed decisions
  • Collaboration - students develop skills to learn how to work together effectively
  • Creativity - students develop their imagination and ability to formulate new ideas. These include 21st-century skills to be integrated into the studying of all subjects.

How is the OSSD in the Canadian Curriculum graded?

• The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Programme is concluded at the end of Grade 12. For students to graduate with the OSSD, 30 credits are required and students must pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Students may complete 4 credits subjects each semester. Students are also required to meet a minimum of 40 hours of community service to be awarded the OSSD in graduation.

Subjects At Canadian Schools In Hong Kong:

• The Canadian Curriculum comprises achievement standards, curriculum frameworks, and resources in subjects throughout elementary and secondary levels. The Canadian Curriculum is also developed and revised cyclically with different components of the curriculum updated each year.
• The Ontario Ministry of Education, in consultation with curriculum developers, education stakeholders, and partners, all provide their input into ensuring that the Canadian Curriculum remains appropriate, educational, and relevant.
• Teachers are provided with sample activities and guides for teaching according to grade level and subject by the Ontario Ministry of Education. This enables teachers to meet the curriculum objectives. The Canadian Curriculum follows a specific curriculum outline in their kindergarten programme.
• The Canadian Curriculum for the elementary level follows specific curriculum documents for subjects like the Arts, French as a second language, Health and Physical Education, Language, Mathematics, Native Languages, Science and Technology, and Social Studies.
• When students reach the secondary level, there are also specific curriculum documents for subjects offered like the Arts, Business Studies, Canadian and World Studies, Classical Studies and International Languages, Computer Sciences, English, French, Guidance and Career Education, Health and Physical Education, Interdisciplinary Studies, Mathematics, Native Studies, Science, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Technological Education.
• The High School phase from Grade 9 to Grade 12 follows the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) programme thoroughly. Recently, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a new science and technology curriculum for the 2022-2023 school year, which includes ‘coding’ as a subject.
• This change in the Canadian Curriculum has come about to ensure students are equipped with critical life and job skills for our developing technological global economy. The ultimate goal is to position the Ontario Canadian Curriculum as a leader in STEM education.

What Is The Structure And Format Of The Canadian Curriculum?

• The Canadian Curriculum starts with Kindergarten for two years for children aged 4 to 5 years.
• The Kindergarten programme follows a stimulating research-based, enquiry-based, and play-based curriculum. After Kindergarten, students enter Elementary School at age 6 which runs from Grade 1 to Grade 8 for eight years. During the Elementary phase from Grade 1 to Grade 6, skills like literacy, numeracy, and learning are developed.
• Schools focus on identifying each student’s individual potential during this phase. When students progress to Grade 7 and Grade 8, they are prepared for the High School phase. A student-centred approach is then followed to expose students to fun learning experiences. Students are also encouraged to actively participate in class.
• During Grades 7 and 8, foundations are built for the core High School subjects - Arts, English, Mathematics, and Social Studies. Students then progress to High School for four years from Grade 9 to Grade 12. During this phase, they work towards obtaining credits for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
• Final student grade assessments are made up of 70% coursework and 30% examinations. In High School, students develop knowledge in many subjects and learn lifelong skills. Students are prepared in Grades 11 and 12 for university education with specialised, in-depth study in all disciplines. Students are exposed to field trips and emphasis is placed on assignments, projects, and individual and group work tasks. This structure enables students to develop critical skills to enter into the job market.

DELIA SCHOOL OF CANADA (DSC International School): International School In Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong Offering Canadian Curriculum (Ontario Model)

Delia School of Canada (DSC) recently celebrated 35 years of academic excellence. DSC is a through-train international school, with all grades enrolled on the same campus. They follow the Ontario model Canadian Curriculum. Over 90% of their teaching team are Canadian-trained educators and are all registered with the EDB and the Ontario College of Teachers. Students in Grades 9 to 12 enter the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD+) Signature Programme, allowing students to focus on a specialized discipline and providing an individual pathway to their program of choice at university.

Delia School of Canada (DSC International School), 5–7 Tai Fung Avenue, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong, +852 3658 0400, admissions@dsc.edu.hk, www.dsc.edu.hk

ONTARIO ESCHOOL: Online International High School With A Base In Hong Kong Offering Canadian Curriculum (Ontario Model)

Ontario eSchool (OeS) is an accredited online International eLearning High School offering online academic courses to students. They have a physical office base in Hong Kong and in Canada, and have been established for more than 10 years. Their mandate is to provide a Canadian based eLearning Curriculum to students. OeS is authorised to grant credits for and provide the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) to students in Grade 9 to 12. Study through OeS is self-paced, can be done from anywhere globally, and online teachers manage study progress.

Ontario eSchool Asia, Hong Kong Physical Office: 4/F Tower Jordan, 6 Bowring Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2393 8321, info@oesasia.org, www.oesasia.org

MAPLE BEAR CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL KINDERGARTEN HONG KONG: International Kindergarten In Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong Offering Canadian Curriculum (Canadian Educational Practices)

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten (Maple Bear) offers the best of Canadian and Hong Kong’s bilingual education to students in early childhood education. Their Early Years curriculum is designed by their own team of expert educators and academic faculty of Canadian trainers. Their faculty members continually update the curriculum to reflect the latest in research and Canadian educational practices. At Maple Bear students study all academic subjects in both Chinese and English providing a bilingual immersive learning experience. They set high standards to ensure children’s readiness for elementary school.

Maple Bear Canadian International Kindergarten Hong Kong, Shop 7, G/F Alto Residences, 29 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, Hong Kong, +852 2813 4887, admissions@maplebear.hk, www.maplebear.hk

CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HONG KONG:  International School In Aberdeen, Hong Kong Offering Canadian Curriculum (Ontario Model)

Canadian International School of Hong Kong (CDNIS) was founded in 1991 as a private, independent school. It’s recognised as an IB World School and is just one of 8 IB continuum schools in Hong Kong offering three IB programmes from Early Years to Grade 12. CDNIS integrates Chinese language and culture with the Ontario Canadian Curriculum and IB programmes. They are proudly the only school outside of Canada where students graduate with both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP). CDNIS also offers an exceptionally rich extra-curricular programme.

Canadian International School of Hong Kong, 36 Nam Long Shan Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 2525 7088, admissions@cdnis.edu.hk, www.cdnis.edu.hk