NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR
Newfoundland and Labrador Studies Course to Become Graduation Requirement for High School Students

On June 25, the Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education, announced that the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 course now offered as an elective in the high school curriculum in the public education system will become a graduation requirement for students who begin high school in September 2027.

In recent years, the Provincial Government has reflected on many critical moments in the province's history and created new ways to tell important stories of the past. Recent initiatives like Year of the Arts 2024, Confederation 75, and the repatriation of an unknown First World War soldier all serve to promote pride of place and to strengthen Newfoundlanders and Labradorians' understanding of our place in the country and in the world.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course examines the rich and diverse culture and heritage of the province and encourages students to think deeply about the province with an arts and social sciences lens. Incorporating the course into high school graduation requirements ensures that students have a thorough understanding of the province's past as they contribute to shaping its bright and prosperous future.

The Department of Education will review the course curriculum to ensure Indigenous history is reflected accurately for educators as they teach students. As part of the course review process, the department will begin consultation with Indigenous Governments and Organizations through meaningful discussion and conversation on the proper inclusion of Newfoundland and Labrador's Indigenous heritage. The last update to the curriculum for Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 was in 2010.

Quotes

"Our heritage and culture are vibrant and complex and should be reflected appropriately in the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course offered to high school students. This course is important for all students to understand our province's history. I look forward to progress updates on how we are making this course curriculum more robust to gain a better of understanding of our province and the diverse peoples who have lived here for centuries."

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, Minister of Education

"I am pleased to see the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies 2205 course become mandatory for high school students. It is crucial that our younger generations continue to learn about our culture and history as Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation

"The final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on governments to ensure historical and contemporary contributions are part of changes in the curricula to accurately capture the perspective of Indigenous Peoples. With essential input from Indigenous Governments and Organizations and guidance from the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee, revising the Newfoundland and Labrador Studies course is an important step towards advancing Reconciliation."

Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs, Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Learn more

• Department of Education - Curriculum