Who We Are

Nova Scotia’s Primary to Grade 12 Public School Program is respected for its dynamic and research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
Our highly trained teachers and administrators are committed to providing quality education. Our students demonstrate commendable achievement on international assessments and regularly lead other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in mathematics and literacy, as well as in science.

Public school education in Nova Scotia has two major goals:

  • to help all students develop to their full potential cognitively, affectively, physically and socially; and
  • to help all students acquire the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for them to become thinking, learning, physically-active and valued members of society.

The Public School Program is based on the following principles of learning:

  • Learning is a process of actively constructing knowledge.
  • Students construct knowledge and make it meaningful in terms of their prior knowledge and experiences.
  • Learning is enhanced when it takes place in a social and collaborative environment.
  • Students need to continue to view learning as an integrated whole.
  • Learners must see themselves as capable and successful.
  • Learners have different ways of knowing and representing knowledge.
  • Reflection is an integral part of learning.

Atlantic Canada Essential Graduation Competencies

To meet the shifting and ongoing demands of life, work and study in the 21st century, graduates of the Nova Scotia Public School Program will be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attitudes in these areas:

  • citizenship
  • communication
  • creativity and innovation
  • critical thinking
  • personal career development
  • technological fluency

Curriculum

  • The curriculum is knowledge based and abilities focused. Curriculum outcome statements identify what students are expected to know, be able to do, and value upon completion of study in a curriculum area.

Assessment

  • Student assessments provide information about individual student achievement in relation to the expected learning outcomes.
  • Elementary and middle school assessments are conducted in grades 3, 6 and 8. 
  • For more information see: plans.ednet.ns.ca/

Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma

  • Thousands of students from across the world benefit from a Nova Scotia education. 
  • The Nova Scotia high school graduation diploma is confirmation of a superior education and is accepted by universities and colleges worldwide.