The Grade 8 curriculum in Ontario, as designed by the Ministry of Education, focuses on deepening students' understanding of core subjects while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. The curriculum builds on the foundation established in earlier grades and prepares students for the transition to high school. The main areas of study include:

1. Language Arts

  • Reading: Students engage with a wide variety of texts, including novels, short stories, articles, and media texts. They develop higher-order thinking skills, such as analyzing themes, making inferences, and evaluating the reliability of information.
  • Writing: The focus is on writing for different purposes and audiences, including narrative, persuasive, and informational writing. Students refine their ability to plan, organize, and edit their work, using proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.
  • Oral Communication: Speaking and listening skills are developed through discussions, debates, and presentations. Students learn to articulate their ideas clearly and to listen actively.
  • Media Literacy: Students critically analyze media messages and create media products, focusing on techniques used in advertising, social media, and digital platforms.

2. Mathematics

  • Number Sense and Numeration: Students continue to work with fractions, decimals, percentages, and integers, and they solve more complex real-world math problems involving these concepts.
  • Measurement: The curriculum includes calculating the surface area and volume of different shapes, understanding rates, and working with different units of measure.
  • Geometry and Spatial Sense: Students explore geometric relationships, including transformations, congruence, and similarity of shapes, as well as angles in polygons.
  • Patterning and Algebra: They learn to work with algebraic expressions, equations, and relationships, preparing for high school algebra.
  • Data Management and Probability: Students learn how to collect, organize, and interpret data, and they explore probability concepts in real-life situations.

3. Science and Technology

  • Life Systems: Focus on cells and organ systems in animals and humans, with an introduction to cellular biology.
  • Matter and Energy: Topics include fluids, their properties, and how they behave in different environments.
  • Structures and Mechanisms: Students study forces, mechanical systems, and building structures.
  • Earth and Space Systems: They explore water systems, understanding the role of water on Earth and the impact of human activities on these systems.

4. Social Studies

  • History: Students study Canada from Confederation to the present, focusing on key events like World War I, World War II, and the development of Canadian identity.
  • Geography: The focus is on global settlement patterns and sustainability, where students explore human and physical geography and the relationship between the environment and society.

5. Health and Physical Education

  • Health: Topics include mental health, relationships, substance use, and making informed choices about health. Sexual health education is also included, emphasizing healthy relationships and self-care.
  • Physical Education: Students engage in a variety of physical activities, focusing on skill development, fitness, and teamwork. The goal is to promote lifelong physical activity and well-being.

6. The Arts

  • Visual Arts: Students build on their artistic skills, exploring different techniques, media, and themes in art-making.
  • Drama: The curriculum encourages creativity and collaboration through role-playing, scriptwriting, and performance.
  • Dance: Students learn and perform different dance styles and choreography, focusing on expressing ideas through movement.
  • Music: They continue to develop musical skills through performance, theory, and composition, with a focus on rhythm, melody, and musical notation.

7. French as a Second Language (FSL)

  • Students enhance their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in French, with an emphasis on communication in real-life situations. Vocabulary, grammar, and cultural awareness are key components of the curriculum.

8. Learning Skills and Work Habits

  • Students are evaluated on their learning skills and work habits, which include responsibility, organization, independent work, collaboration, initiative, and self-regulation. These skills are essential for success in high school and beyond.

The Grade 8 curriculum encourages independent learning, self-awareness, and responsibility, all while preparing students for the rigors of secondary education. The program emphasizes not only academic knowledge but also the development of social, emotional, and physical skills, ensuring students are well-rounded and ready for the challenges of high school.

Mathematics, Grade 8

Grade 8 Mathematics Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 8 Mathematics! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and will help you deepen your understanding of mathematical concepts and develop essential problem-solving skills. The course covers five key strands:

  1. Number Sense and Operations: You will explore integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages, and learn how to apply operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division in real-world contexts.

  2. Algebra: This strand focuses on solving equations, understanding patterns, and using algebraic expressions to represent relationships between numbers.

  3. Geometry and Spatial Sense: You will investigate properties of shapes, angles, transformations, and the relationships between 2D and 3D figures, enhancing your spatial reasoning skills.

  4. Measurement: Learn to measure and calculate area, volume, surface area, and perimeter, and apply these skills in practical situations.

  5. Data and Probability: You will collect, analyze, and interpret data, and explore concepts of probability to make informed predictions and decisions.

Through hands-on activities, real-world applications, and collaborative problem-solving, you’ll develop mathematical confidence and critical thinking skills that will prepare you for high school and beyond.

Let’s get ready to explore the exciting world of mathematics together!


Skill Level: Beginner

Language, Grade 8

Grade 8 Language Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 8 Language! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and is designed to enhance your reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy skills. You will explore a variety of engaging texts and media while developing your ability to communicate effectively. The course is divided into four key strands:

  1. Reading: You will read and analyze a wide range of fiction and non-fiction, focusing on understanding ideas, themes, and perspectives while building comprehension and critical thinking skills.

  2. Writing: This strand will help you improve your writing process, from brainstorming ideas to drafting, revising, and editing. You will work on different forms of writing, including essays, reports, and creative pieces.

  3. Oral Communication: You will develop your speaking and listening skills through discussions, presentations, and collaborative work, learning to express your ideas clearly and listen to others’ perspectives.

  4. Media Literacy: In this strand, you will critically analyze media messages, explore how media influences our world, and create your own media projects.

By the end of the course, you will be a more confident and capable communicator, ready to express your ideas in various forms. Let’s embark on a year of language exploration together!


Skill Level: Beginner

Science and Technology, Grade 8

Grade 8 Science and Technology Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 8 Science and Technology! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and focuses on exploring key scientific concepts and technological advancements that shape our world. You will engage with four main strands:

  1. Life Systems: Cells and Systems – Dive into the world of living organisms, learning about cells, organs, and systems, and how they work together to support life.

  2. Structures and Mechanisms: Systems in Action – Investigate how different systems, both natural and human-made, function and the technology behind them.

  3. Matter and Energy: Fluids and Water Systems – Explore the properties of fluids, the dynamics of water systems, and their critical roles in the environment and human activities.

  4. Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems on Earth – Study Earth’s water systems, how they interact with the environment, and their importance for ecosystems and human societies.

Throughout the course, you will develop scientific inquiry skills, work on hands-on projects, and explore real-world applications of science and technology. Get ready for an exciting journey of discovery and innovation!

Skill Level: Beginner

Health and Physical Education, Grade 8

Grade 7 Health and Physical Education Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 7 Health and Physical Education! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and is designed to support your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It is divided into two main areas:

Physical Education: You will develop a wide range of movement skills, improve your fitness, and participate in a variety of sports and activities. We will focus on building teamwork, leadership, and personal fitness goals, all while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

Health Education: This component will help you understand topics such as healthy relationships, mental health, substance use, and human development. We will also explore strategies to make informed decisions and promote your personal safety and well-being.

This course encourages an active, healthy lifestyle and provides the knowledge and skills to make positive choices for your overall health.

Let’s get moving and learning together!
Skill Level: Beginner

History, Grade 8

Grade 8 History Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 8 History! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education guidelines and explores significant events and developments in Canadian history from 1850 to 1914. You will focus on two key strands:

  1. Creating Canada (1850–1890): We will investigate how Canada moved towards Confederation, the factors that shaped its expansion, and the challenges faced by various groups, including Indigenous peoples, French and English settlers, and new immigrants.

  2. Canada, A Changing Society (1890–1914): This strand focuses on the social, economic, and political changes that transformed Canada during the early 20th century, including industrialization, urbanization, and growing calls for equality and social reform.

Through critical analysis of historical sources and events, you’ll gain insights into how Canada's diverse past has shaped its present and will develop an understanding of key issues that remain relevant today.

Get ready to explore Canada’s journey through a time of transformation and growth!


Skill Level: Beginner

Geography, Grade 8

Grade 8 Geography Course Introduction

Welcome to Grade 8 Geography! This course follows the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and explores key global issues and the relationship between humans and their environment. The course is divided into two major strands:

Global Settlement: Patterns and Sustainability: You will examine how and why people settle in different regions of the world and explore the factors that influence population distribution, urbanization, and sustainable development.

Global Inequalities: Economic Development and Quality of Life: This strand focuses on the causes and impacts of global inequalities, including access to resources, economic development, and differences in living standards across countries. We will also consider ways to reduce inequalities and promote sustainable development.

Through inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, you will use geographic tools such as maps and data analysis to better understand global patterns and your role as a global citizen.

Let’s explore the world and its challenges together!
Skill Level: Beginner