Services Available in UAE, KSA, Qatar, India and Bahrain.
<p><strong>The Alberta Curriculum</strong> is the official education framework developed by <strong>Alberta Education</strong>, a government department under the <strong>Government of Alberta, Canada</strong>. Recognized globally for its <strong>rigorous academic standards</strong> and holistic approach, the Alberta Curriculum emphasizes a <strong>balanced, inclusive, and skills-based education</strong> that prepares students for academic success, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning.</p>
<p>Spanning <strong>Kindergarten through Grade 12</strong>, the Alberta Curriculum is rooted in the principles of <strong>student-centered learning</strong>, <strong>critical thinking</strong>, <strong>competency development</strong>, and <strong>diverse instructional practices</strong>. The curriculum is designed to be <strong>outcomes-based</strong>, meaning students are assessed based on specific learning objectives in each subject area. Each subject outlines <strong>knowledge, skills, and attitudes</strong> that students are expected to acquire by the end of a grade level.</p>
<p>The structure of the Alberta Curriculum is divided into four divisions:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Division I:</strong> Grades 1–3</li>
<li><strong>Division II:</strong> Grades 4–6</li>
<li><strong>Division III:</strong> Grades 7–9</li>
<li><strong>Division IV:</strong> Grades 10–12</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Subjects offered</strong> include English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, Fine Arts, Career and Technology Foundations (CTF), and additional language options (French, Arabic, etc.). High school students can also explore <strong>Career and Technology Studies (CTS)</strong>, <strong>work experience</strong>, and <strong>dual credit programs</strong> to bridge their transition to the workforce or post-secondary education.</p>
<p>At the heart of the curriculum is the development of <strong>competencies</strong>—an interconnected blend of knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to succeed in the modern world. These competencies include <strong>problem-solving</strong>, <strong>innovation</strong>, <strong>communication</strong>, <strong>cultural awareness</strong>, and <strong>collaboration</strong>. The Alberta Curriculum encourages <strong>inquiry-based learning</strong>, <strong>project-based assessments</strong>, and <strong>integration of real-world applications</strong> to create meaningful learning experiences.</p>
<p><strong>Assessment</strong> is <strong>continuous and formative</strong>, with <strong>summative evaluations</strong> occurring at key stages. In <strong>Grades 6, 9, and 12</strong>, students sit for standardized <strong>Provincial Achievement Tests (PATs)</strong> and <strong>Diploma Exams</strong>, which evaluate performance and inform system-wide educational improvements.</p>
<p>The curriculum allows for <strong>flexibility in instruction</strong>, empowering teachers to design <strong>innovative</strong>, <strong>culturally responsive</strong>, and <strong>student-driven lessons</strong>. Alberta Education also supports <strong>Indigenous knowledge integration</strong>, <strong>inclusion</strong>, and <strong>special education strategies</strong>, ensuring equitable access for all learners.</p>
<p><strong>Alberta-certified schools overseas</strong> are monitored by Alberta Education and must meet <strong>exacting standards</strong> in staffing, instruction, assessment, and administration. This global network provides <strong>Canadian education in international settings</strong>, maintaining the credibility and integrity of the Alberta system worldwide.</p>
<p>For students seeking international mobility, the Alberta Curriculum provides <strong>seamless transition pathways</strong> to universities in <strong>Canada, the USA, UK, Australia, India, and beyond</strong>. <strong>Alberta high school diplomas</strong> are well-regarded and accepted by top institutions globally, thanks to their <strong>academic rigor</strong> and <strong>competency-based outcomes</strong>.</p>
The Alberta Curriculum originated in the early 20th century following the creation of Alberta as a Canadian province in 1905. The education system was initially shaped by agrarian values and European educational traditions but gradually evolved into a modern, inclusive, and globally competitive framework.
By the 1970s, Alberta had established a provincial curriculum with a strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and civic responsibility. Over the next few decades, several reforms were undertaken to modernize learning content and teaching practices. The 1990s saw the introduction of outcomes-based education, focusing on competencies over rote memorization.
Major revisions occurred in the early 2000s with the inclusion of digital literacy, First Nations perspectives, and personalized learning. The Inspiring Education initiative in 2009 marked a paradigm shift, emphasizing "what students need to know" rather than "what should be taught", guiding reforms towards a 21st-century learning model.
Alberta Education started accrediting international schools to offer the Alberta curriculum in the 2000s, creating a globally recognized system of Alberta Offshore Schools. These schools, while located abroad, adhere strictly to the curriculum, assessment, and staffing norms of Alberta.
Today, Alberta’s curriculum is regarded as one of the most progressive in North America and has earned recognition from institutions and ministries of education worldwide for its inclusivity, flexibility, and focus on student development.
The Alberta Curriculum is governed and administered by Alberta Education, a department within the Government of Alberta, Canada. It is publicly funded and operates under the constitutional framework of Canadian provincial education systems, where each province retains control over its educational policies.
Internationally, schools can apply to be accredited as Alberta Accredited International Schools (AAIS). These schools must meet stringent criteria in areas such as:
These schools are inspected and reviewed regularly by Alberta Education officials to ensure compliance. Upon graduation, students receive the Alberta High School Diploma, identical to what students receive in Alberta, Canada.
Affiliation with Alberta Education enables schools to access official curricula, support documents, professional development opportunities, and assessment frameworks. The strong affiliation and centralized oversight uphold the credibility, consistency, and academic excellence associated with the Alberta brand.
Examinations are a critical part of the Alberta Curriculum and are conducted at specific grade levels. Key assessments include:
Apart from provincial exams, regular classroom-based assessments, project work, and practical tasks form an integral part of student evaluation. Teachers use rubrics and criteria-referenced assessments to provide feedback and guide learning.
The exam system is designed to be transparent, standardized, and diagnostic—serving both instructional and accountability purposes.
To pass a course in the Alberta Curriculum, students must meet both classroom and provincial assessment expectations. For high school courses (Grades 10–12), a student must achieve a minimum of 50% overall to earn course credit.
In Grade 12 Diploma Exam subjects, the final grade is a weighted blend:
A student must score a combined minimum of 50% to pass the course and receive credit toward the Alberta High School Diploma.
In lower grades (K–9), assessments are primarily formative and outcome-based, focused on evaluating whether students are "meeting," "approaching," or "exceeding" the prescribed learning outcomes. Students must demonstrate adequate progress in core subjects to be promoted.
The Alberta system values continuous learning, performance tracking, and timely interventions, ensuring every student has an equitable opportunity to succeed. Schools also offer Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) for students with learning challenges.
Other evaluations include teacher-designed unit tests, semester exams, performance-based tasks, and course projects. Exams are structured to evaluate knowledge acquisition, analytical skills, communication, and real-world application.
The Alberta Curriculum mandates the following core subjects across Grades 1–12:
To graduate, students must complete the following key subjects:
Optional subjects include Arts, Technology Studies, World Languages, and Dual Credit Programs.
This balanced offering ensures development of intellectual, emotional, physical, and vocational skills.
