Civics subject in Grade 10

 

Civics class in high school helps students learn about Canadian government and elections. 

Civics is taught in Grade 10 in Ontario and is part of the Canadian and World Studies curriculum which is mandated by the Ministry of Education.

Stephen Fields is the communications coordinator at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board and said there are a number of things students learn, such as  how the various levels of government function, how people engage with the whole election process and about what human rights and responsibilities Canadian citizens have.

Fields said he thinks students should learn Civics as a fully functioning and fully participating member of Canadian society, and that is extremely important to understand how the Canadian  government works and what its responsibilities are. 

“An essential part of any good civic education is teaching students about why it’s voting an important political process, why they vote, why they should educate themselves what the issue is,” said Fields. 

He said he thinks it is part of educators responsibility they as guide students to becoming fully functioning adults and members of society. 

Makennah Murphy, is a Grade 10 student at Assumption Catholic High School taking Civics.

“Before this class, I had pretty basic knowledge about the federal government system,” said Murphy. “I believe it is worth it because we get a deeper understanding. This will directly help us in the future when we need to vote, or potentially go into politics. It is important because this is our future, and we should all understand.” 

In class she said she learned about how the House of Commons worked and specific aspect about the federal system,  as well as the fact that the federal government is responsible for foreign affairs, the military and transportation.

Sajal Kumar also attends Assumption Catholic High School. He said Civics is all about how the Canadian government works. Before Civics class he had some basic knowledge about the different parties and how leaders are elected and more. He said this class gave him opportunities to understand how the government works in both the United States and Canada, specifically elections. 

Thousands of Ontario students take Civics every year. According to Fields, many parents appreciate that the course is mandatory.