Nova Scotia Curriculum

English Programs, French Second Language, French First Language

Nova Scotia’s curriculum is being renewed and modernized to ensure our students have the skills and competencies to be successful in a rapidly changing world. Designing renewed curricula with the Essential Graduation Competencies ensures that we are preparing our students for the future with curriculum that is inclusive, student-centred, and flexible while maintaining a focus on literacy and numeracy. For more information on the renewed curricula, please see this short video.


Renewed curriculum provides greater flexibility for teachers, while allowing space to support learner engagement and well-being as students develop their skills and explore their passions and interests.


The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

It has been over 30 years since the murder of 14 young women at Polytechnique Montréal (December 6, 1989). This act of violent misogyny shook our country and led Parliament to designate December 6 as The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Here are just some of the learning resources available to students in the province:

On December 6, we remember:

  • Geneviève Bergeron
  • Hélène Colgan
  • Nathalie Croteau
  • Barbara Daigneault
  • Anne-Marie Edward
  • Maud Haviernick
  • Maryse Laganière
  • Maryse Leclair
  • Anne-Marie Lemay
  • Sonia Pelletier
  • Michèle Richard
  • Annie St-Arneault
  • Annie Turcotte
  • Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz

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The student text Fighting for Equity includes the case study “Addressing Gender Inequity” which focuses on the ways that Canadians have responded to end gender inequities in Canada, including Gender-Based Violence

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has developed curricula and related resources for grades primary to 12 to help students learn how to recognize, prevent, and respond to gender-based violence and other harms. More information about ongoing work can be found on the Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Bystander Intervention Education page.


Halifax Explosion

On the morning of December 6th, 1917, the steamship Mont-Blanc, inbound from the Atlantic with war material for France, entered the Halifax Harbour Narrows. The Norwegian ship Imo left Bedford Basin, outbound for New York to load supplies for occupied Belgium. In homes, schools, and factories lining the shores, people started a new day in a busy wartime port. When Imo crossed The Narrows and struck Mont-Blanc’s bow, worlds collided. 

Halifax Explosion resources

Social Studies 7: World War I: Impact on the Maritimes and accompanying case study. These resources include a story of Viola Desmond’s experiences during the Halifax Explosion from her sister, Wanda Robson. As well as a poem by Dr Afua Cooper, and two artworks – Tuft’s Cove by Alan Syliboy and The Hope and Survual Memorial Quilt Project.

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Afua Cooper commemorates the Halifax Explosion through verse and highlights the experiences of the Black Haligonians in this disaster. Her powerful words are magnified in this book with dramatic historical photographs and eloquent art.

Halifax Explosion Resources

The Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is committed to ensuring high-quality, responsive, inclusive, and equitable education to support the well-being and achievement of every student. The Public School Program site provides direct links to policies, programs, and supporting documents that outline the province’s commitment to supporting student-centred learning environments that ensure the next generation of young Nova Scotians are equipped with the essential skills and competences required to meet the ever-changing demands of our global society.


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Last updated October 8, 2025