K to 12 Curriculum Overview

This IRP describes part of a curriculum that spans Kindergarten to Grade 12. Economics 12 and the Business Education 11 and 12 courses provide a transition from the Business Education 8 to 10 curricula and from learning in other subjects to postsecondary programs and the world of work.

These courses help students understand the individual's place in the national and global economy. They also provide students with practical skills that can be applied in their daily lives, now and in the future, and enhance their employability skills.

The Business Education K to 12 and Economics K to 12 overview charts provide "snapshots" of learning in business education and economics by grade cluster. These overviews do not provide the prescribed curriculum; they are intended only as descriptions of some of the more salient aspects of learning. They are meant to give the teacher a sense of the gradual shift in curriculum focus from the personal to the economics and business spheres as students move from Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Grades K to 3 Students become aware that transactions are all around them. They begin to understand the role of business communication in their lives and explore technology as a helpful tool. Students identify jobs done by individuals and groups in their schools and communities. They use money as a medium of exchange and understand business from a personal perspective.	In grades K to 3, students' learning includes opportunities to: look at business technology tools used in the home and school make choices independently and in groups about which technologies to use for particular tasks participate in the collection, organization, and presentation of financial information practise respectful communication when carrying out personal transactions talk about some elements of the marketplace
Grades 4 to 7 Students gain an understanding of the personal, community, and global nature of effective business communication using a variety of methods. Students begin to appreciate the impact that business transactions have on individuals and society. They become more proficient at gathering, organizing, and presenting information using business tools to identify and understand problems and to generate possible solutions.	In grades 4 to 7, students' learning includes opportunities to: work with simple business forms and types of record keeping use computers and touch keyboarding for business communication understand the roles of consumers and business in the economy look at entrepreneurial activity and explore its role in an economy expand their understanding of tools of exchange and currencies investigate the potential of advertising in marketing explore the contribution of public, private, and not-for-profit activities
Grade 8 to 10 Students become increasingly sophisticated in their use of business technology. They reach a higher level of performance in business literacy and learn about social responsibility in the world of work. They consider cultural, ethical, and legal implications of applied business practices.	In grade 8 to 10, students' learning includes opportunities to: use a variety of business technologies, including software, to conduct research and to solve business problems model ethical and acceptable behaviour when engaged in business communication and when making business transactions strive for a high level of proficiency in using an alphanumeric keyboard for business communication use interpersonal and teamwork skills in business opportunities and in resolving business problems explore the financial requirements and obligations associated with establishing and operating a small business design and produce business plans to market products, services, or ideas provide examples of entrepreneurial activity
Grades 11 and 12 Students make use of sophisticated tools to increase and refine their skills and knowledge while solving complex and varied business problems. They prepare for postsecondary and employment opportunities through meaningful activities within their school and community. In this way, students grasp the relevance of employability skills and the significance of employability skills and the significance of their business education experience.	In grades 11 and 12, depending upon the courses selected, students' learning includes opportunities to: use web site information to identify and explore business opportunities understand the integration and use of business technologies in the workplace anaylse and demonstrate personal skills applicable to a business setting develop high levels of proficiency in using keyboarding for business communication explore marketing as it applies to organizations and individual initiatives, locally and globally carry out accounting practices using industry-standard software understand and appreciate the contribution of entrepreneurial activity to business and the economy develop economic literacy with respect to the use of resources by individuals, businesses, and governments

Grades K to 3 Students become aware that people exchange goods and services. They begin to understand the role economic activity plays in their lives	In grades K to 3, students' learning includes opportunities to: demonstrate exchange of products and services through buying, selling, and trading demonstrate an understanding of what makes up a marketplace explain buying, selling, and trading
Grades 4 to 7 Students gain an understanding of the role of government in an economic system. They identify the key elements of a simple economy (factors of production) and begin to understand that the exchange of goods in all sectors of the economy has an economic impact.	In grades 4 to 7, students' learning includes opportunities to: identify the key elements of a local economy describe how municipal, provincial, and federal laws may affect business explain the role of taxes in the Canadian economy compare a variety of economic systems describe the public and private sectors, including not-for-profit activity, in the local economy identify the role of government in the economy and its links to business identify the role of small business in the local and national economy
Grade 8 to 10 Students examine the dynamic nature of factors of production while looking at both large and small economic systems.	In grade 8 to 10, students' learning includes opportunities to: describe the relationship between supply and demand in an economy describe how innovations affect economies compare private ownership of property, freedom of choice, free competition in the marketplace, and government involvement in various economic systems describe factors of production ­land, labour, capital, and enterpreneurship­in an economic system identify methods used to facilitate economic development locally, nationally, and globally
Grades 11 and 12 Students use sophisticated research tools to build their knowledge of economics. They understand the impact of government decisions on the factors of production and on the economy.	In grades 11 and 12, depending upon the courses selected, students' learning includes opportunities to: identify how various careers and occupations require an understanding of economic theory evaluate factors that affect growth, the creation of wealth, and the distribution of income in an economy assess the ways in which economic principles apply differently to individuals and nations identify how economic performance is monitored, measured, and reported evaluate the impact of information technology on the factors of production in an economic system analyse the effect of government borrowing and debt and their impact on markets analyse the role of government in producing goods and services, delivering services, and regulating the economic endeavours of business.

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