The “Revised” New Ontario Health Curriculum for grades 1-8 was recently made available to the public. There was a great deal of discussion about the report’s content when it was first released last April. At issue was whether the newly added sex education component was appropriate, if so at what age should the information be shared with students. ( see Globe & Mail April 2010 ) . In the newly revised edition the controversial sex education material has been removed.
Focus Points – Revised Health and Physical Education Curriculum Grades 1- 8
- Curriculum has been updated to deal with healthy eating, physical exercise and personal safety.
- Included is progressive age-appropriate information teaching students how to deal with bullying, safety and adolescence/maturation.
- New key components tied to substance abuse, eating disorders, cyberstalking, and mental health issues.
- Dialogue samples between teachers and students. These could be used at home for reinforcement and as a basis for parental discussions with children about key social issues, dietary issues and healthy living.
Minister of Education Leona Dombrowsky has promised that she will consult with the public on future changes to the Health and Physical Education curriculum. Currently, there is no news as to when or how this will take place.
You can download the document and read it for your self ( click here).
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Background Material
Ministry of Education – Ontario
PDF Ontario Health & Physical Education Curriculum - http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/health.html
Toronto Star Aug. 8, 2010
Lessons on bullying, cyberstalking and defibrillators coming this fall
Globe and Mail April 20, 2010
