Education in Saskatchewan - Primary and Secondary Education

Primary and Secondary Education

Schools providing primary education are more often referred to as elementary schools or grade schools. Primary and secondary education under the header of K-12 education (K is for kindergarten, 12 is for grade 12). A system of grades is used to describe the various stages of education. Grades are generally known by cardinal number, e.g., grade 12.

Typically, primary education is provided in schools, where the child will stay in steadily advancing classes until they complete it and move on to secondary schooling. Children are usually placed in classes with one teacher who will be primarily responsible for their education and welfare for that year. This teacher may be assisted to varying degrees by specialist teachers in certain subject areas, often music or physical education. The continuity with a single teacher and the opportunity to build up a close relationship with the class is a notable feature of the primary education system. Pursuant to The Education Act, school attendance is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 16 years. In addition, schooling is provided to anyone between the ages of 6 to 21 years. Both primary and secondary education are free.

High school, secondary school, école secondaire, collegiate institute generally begin from grade 9 through 12 and education is compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16 years according to Saskatchewan’s Education Act, 1995 Section 149. However, anyone between the ages of 6 to 21 years "has the right",

• (a) "to attend school in the school division where that person or that persons parents or guardians reside"; and
• (b) "to receive instruction appropriate to that persons age and level of educational achievement" Education Act of Saskatchewan. through either school board system. The schools are divided by religion, publicly funded by a separate school board for Catholic based education or publicly funded by a public school board or families may choose to pay for their education at eight private high schools.

In most cases the elementary school ends at grade eight, and high school provides grades nine through twelve, however there are some exceptions where there is a middle school provided.

From 1889 to 1920s the school class organisation was for elementary levels; Standard I, II, III, IV and V; followed by secondary school beginning at Standard VI. Standard X corresponded to a junior or Class 3 provincial certificate, Standard XI would give a Middle, Class 2 provincial certificate, and finally Standard XII would result in a Senior, Class 1 provincial certificate. A level of attainment of at least Class 3 Standard was needed to teach during this time.