Thursday, October 30, 2014
Ministry of Education
Protecting the Health and Well-Being of Students
As part of extensive provincial Health and Physical Education curriculum consultations, Ontario is listening to more feedback from parents from across the province.
This fall, one parent from every elementary school across the province will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the government through a secure survey. The government will benefit from the perspective of approximately 4,000 parents regarding trusted sources for health information, as well as when certain information should be taught in schools.
As the new curriculum is finalized, the insights and advice provided through this process will be considered along with research and information from earlier consultations and focus groups with students, teachers, parents, faculties of education, universities and colleges, as well as other organizations and stakeholders.
A current, relevant and age-appropriate Health and Physical Education curriculum will be introduced in Ontario classrooms in September 2015. The curriculum will support students in developing the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in today's rapidly changing and connected world.
Fostering the health and well-being of the province's students, to help ensure they succeed, supports the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts:
- The Growth and Development section of the elementary Health and Physical Education curriculum has not been updated since 1998 – before the widespread use of social media and smartphones.
- This current round of consultations builds on the earlier consultations and focus groups with students, teachers, parents, faculties of education, universities and colleges, as well as other organizations and stakeholders. More than 70 health-related organizations submitted reports for consideration and more than 2,400 people provided feedback on the draft curriculum.
- Studies have shown that girls as young as seven and eight years old are entering puberty, which is significantly earlier than in previous generations.
- The World Health Organization has found that providing kids with comprehensive sexual health information helps prevent early sexual activity and negative health outcomes.
Learn More:
Quotes:
"Students need to have the best information possible so they can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. In our increasingly interconnected world, students often get information from unreliable and inaccurate sources. That is why an up-to-date, relevant and appropriate health and physical education curriculum is needed now more than ever, and is why we are committed to having one in place for the 2015 school year."
— Liz Sandals, Minister of Education
Media Contacts:
Gary Wheeler
Communications Branch
416-325-2454
gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca
Nilani Logeswaran
Minister’s Office
416-314-6020
Nilani.Logeswaran@ontario.ca
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