BC Min of Education - Parent Resources

This document was last revised in 2000 and, while may still be useful in a general sense, should not be depended on for the most up-to-date information concerning ministry policy.

The Intermediate Years (Grades 4 to 10)

Between Grades 4 and 10, students progress from childhood to adolescence. They experience physical, emotional and intellectual changes. This period is characterized by fluctuations in behaviour, attitudes, social growth and development. The influence of peers has an effect on student actions and decision-making processes. In the area of intellectual growth, students progress from concrete to abstract thought. This growth pattern varies widely between boys and girls as well as among individuals.

During the intermediate years, students need considerable support in order to deal with the changes they experience. Flexibility in classroom organization and methods of instruction is required to meet the challenges of these critically important years in the school system. As students move through the intermediate years, they develop competency in foundation skills and reach higher levels of proficiency in language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. In Grade 5, all students must begin to study a second language. Curriculum in the intermediate years includes theoretical concepts, as well as skills and knowledge that can be applied to everyday life and to the world of work.

In the intermediate years, students:

study language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, physical education, information and communication technologies, applied skills, fine arts, a second language (in Grades 5-8) and personal planning;
develop their ability to solve problems, think critically and make decisions;
develop social and personal skills, good work habits confidence, sense of self-worth and understanding of the value of physical and emotional well-being.
In the intermediate years, students begin to take more specialized courses that are directed toward their personal and career goals. As they move through the program, they have more opportunities to direct their learning.

The curriculum for these years is designed to:

emphasize basic areas of learning to increase students' literacy and numeracy skills;
introduce more formal personal and career planning and increase students' responsibility for their learning;
develop citizenship/social responsibility skills which can be applied to problems, projects, or social issues;
extend the development of creativity;
use opportunities for learning that exist outside schools;
develop a work ethic and further understanding of career opportunities.

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