Quebec will revise science and technology curricula to make more room for climate change, both in primary and secondary schools. However, we will have to wait until 2029 for this to be implemented in all classes.
Minister of Education Bernard Drainville made the announcement Friday morning, as part of the conference of the Association for the Teaching of Science and Technology in Quebec.
The aim, notes the press release issued by the ministry, is to “increase student awareness of current issues, particularly linked to climate change and the accelerated development of new technologies”.
However, since the new Quebec Culture and Citizenship program will be implemented next year and a revision of the French program is coming, Quebec is giving schools time.
It will only be in 2026-2027 that the new science and technology program will arrive on an optional basis at primary level, to be compulsory the following school year.
At the secondary level, these new programs will be updated and implemented on an optional basis in 2028-2029 and on a mandatory basis from fall 2029.
The announcement of the revision of these programs was warmly welcomed by the Association of Teachers in Science and Technology of Quebec (AESTQ).
“In a constantly evolving world, it is imperative that our educational programs reflect recent scientific and technological advances, thus preparing our students for the challenges of the 21st century,” declared the AESTQ in a press release.