The new educational reform is under way now in many Quebec schools. It will take a few years to implement the new reform. Teachers are working hard to assure a smooth transition. Some of the changes combines the grades together. Grades 1 and 2 will now be Cycle 1. Grades 3 and 4 will be Cycle 2, and grades 5 and 6 will be Cycle 3. This new regime will enable teachers to work closely with each child and to direct energy where it is needed most. In both the Francophone and the Anglophone sectors, more emphasis will be placed on developing the children's languages skills. Math and sciences will have a major role in the curriculum. Although developing a new reform was clearly long over due, many other aspects are being ignored. Mandatory swimming courses at the lower primary level and mandatory first-aid courses at the high-school level should be obligatory because lives would be saved. Not only would the children and teenager learn a fun and exciting sport, or learn new skills but also the safety lessons would permit them to avoid, overcome, and deal with difficult situations.
The expense of teaching every child in the Quebec school system would cost over any amount the schools boards have for such courses. I understand about budgeting and not having money for all possible courses. When we talk about technology, thousands of dollars are spent on multi-media. If a child is drowning, it's not the Internet that will save him. With a high volume of children taking the courses, arrangements with a non-profit organization can be made to reduce cost. Sharing the costs between the school and the parents is also an option.
These courses are not subjects the children will need to deal with on a daily basis compared to their reading or writing. They should concentrate their energy in more productive lessons. Learning how to read, write and count are far more important in life. Yes, I agree, they are important and obligatory skills, but children learn more than 'swimming' or 'first-aid' in these courses. They learn safety, for themselves and for others around them. They learn social skills. The children develop a sense of caring, empathy and a sense of becoming a citizen --part of a group. Responsibilities are mastered, as well as problem solving.
