Questions and Answers

Proposed Changes to the Intermediate Program of Studies

Why has government proposed these changes? 

  • The current program of studies was issued in 1981.
  • Intermediate students currently have no choice in courses. Everything is mandatory…every year. 
  • Students are underperforming on national and international assessments. Data indicates that they are disengaged and do not view schooling as valuable or important.   

Will consultation result in changes to the proposed program?

  • Yes, stakeholder feedback through the Thought Exchange platform will be analyzed and considered as the program is finalized. 
  • The experiences of phase one schools will provide feedback to inform necessary adjustments for phase two    

Are the proposed changes designed to save the government money?

  • No cost savings are anticipated because of implementing the proposed changes.  

Does government anticipate the changes will result in the loss of teaching positions?

  • No. Schools may require an increase in teacher allocations to maximize optional modular course offerings.  

Why are some programs offered in modules?

  • A modular delivery model reduces the number of courses that a student takes at one time. 
  • For courses with a lower time allocation, a modular delivery model increases the frequency of classes compared to a yearlong approach. Modular courses will meet for 3-4 hours weekly for a 13 week period.

Why are some programs being cut?

  • No programs are being cut. Courses in all programs are still available. 
  • The percentage of time allocated to some courses has been reduced to allow students opportunity to personalize their learning; choosing additional courses based on personal interest.  

If students only do the minimum required modules of Core French, will they still be able to do high school Core French courses? 

  • The Department of Education will examine Core French courses and present multiple pathways for students to continue their second language learning. 
  • If necessary, new curricula will be developed to bridge learning gaps. 

Why is there less choice for French Immersion students?

  • French Immersion is itself a choice.
  • French Immersion prioritizes French Language Arts. The significant percentage of time allocated to this course restricts choice of optional modules. 

Will schools offer all optional modular courses? 

  • School administrators, in consultation with their school community, will determine the optional modular courses offered at their school. 
  • Student interest should be the driver of course offerings.  

Will there be additional optional courses offered?

  • Yes. The Department of Education anticipates additional optional modules will be available for the 2026-27 school year. 
  • Student interest will be a driver of the development of additional optional modules for 2026 and beyond.  

How will local modules work?

  • School communities will develop and submit local modules to the Department of Education for approval. 
  • Schools may submit more than one module.
  • Current submissions focus on outdoor education, drama, and industry–related topics.    

Will curriculum be changing as well?

  • Proposed changes will require renewed curriculum for Social Studies, Religious Education, Core French, Music, Visual Arts, Technology Education, Health and Home Economics. The degree of curricular change varies from program to program. Combined Science and Technology will require updated curriculum.