Minister of Education Mike Bernier has released the following statement in anticipation of the first day of school on Sept. 6, 2016, for British Columbia’s 529,000 public school and 82,000 independent school students:

“We have a lot to be proud of here in British Columbia. Student outcomes continue to improve. Today, 15% more students are graduating than in 2001.

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“B.C.’s education system is ranked first in the English-speaking world for outcomes in reading, science and mathematics. Students are finding success in music, in academics, in sports – and in every subject in between. But the world is changing and we need to make sure students are ready to succeed in that changing world. That’s what B.C.’s new curriculum is all about.

“Students will still learn the basics – reading, writing and math – but in a way that connects them to collaboration, communication and critical-thinking skills. These are the skills universities, colleges and employers tell us they are looking for.

“We are also bringing a new core skill into schools – coding. More than just working with computers, it’s a way of teaching critical thinking and logic skills crucial for success in tech careers and in almost every other field. We are providing $6 million for teacher training and technology purchases for schools to bring coding and the new curriculum to life.

“In kindergarten to Grade 9, the curriculum was draft last year. This year it is fully implemented. Draft curriculum is being rolled out for optional use and feedback in grades 10 to 12.

“Keeping track of how students are doing is vital, so testing in the later years remains rigorous. Provincial exams in two core subjects will now be written between grades 10 and 12 testing the bedrock skills of success - literacy and math. These are the courses universities and colleges look at during admissions. And in science and social studies, there will be rigorous classroom-based exams assessments, tests and projects to measure student progress.

“Back to school is also the right time for parents and guardians to take up the province on its offer of $1,200 for post-secondary education or training. The B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant offers $1,200 to kick-start savings for kids born 2006 or later.

“Parents will also get some help this year with back to school costs thanks to an expansion of the tax credits available to parents. A new $250 B.C. Back to School Tax Credit to be included in Budget 2017, subject to approval of the legislature, will build on the tax credits already available for eligible arts, sports and fitness programs, as well as eligible fitness equipment. The tax credit also adds to the savings parents and guardians will receive, thanks to the Provincial Sales Tax exemption that exists on numerous school supplies as well as children’s clothing and footwear.”

Learn More:

For further details on the coming school year please, visit:

New Curriculum: http://www.curriculum.gov.bc.ca.

Celebrating Student Success: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/celebrating-student-success

B.C. Training and Education Savings Grant: www.gov.bc.ca/bctesg

Tax Credits: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/home/featured-services/services/parent-tax-credits

PST exemptions for school supplies: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_202.pdf

PST exemptions for children’s clothing and footwear: http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/documents_library/bulletins/pst_201.pdf

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