Alberta Education and Childcare

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New provincial social studies curriculum in Grades 4 to 6

Tue, 8 Sep, 2026

This school year, students in Grades 4 to 6 are learning new provincial curriculum in social studies. Students will not write the Grade 6 social studies PAT, as it is the first year of implementation of the new Grade 6 social studies curriculum.

Division teachers also have the option to pilot new draft curriculum in Grades 7 to 9 mathematics; social studies; physical education and wellness; and career education and financial literacy. Piloting is optional and decided by individual teachers.

How we’re preparing

Many teachers have taken part in professional learning related to the new curriculum over the last few years. Teachers will continue to have the opportunity to take part in professional learning to support them in teaching the new curriculum. School staff also have access to updated teaching and learning resources to support the new social studies curriculum. 

More information

The Government of Alberta determines the new curriculum content and timelines for implementation. Families are encouraged to visit Alberta Education and Childcare’s curriculum renewal page to learn more about what is being implemented this school year and in future years. This page includes a summary of content updates and a comparison of previous and new social studies curriculum, among other subjects.

The full provincial curriculum and parent resources are available on Alberta Education’s New LearnAlberta site.