The school curriculum is changing with a hopeful shift to more education on history.

Dean Ingram, President of Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association says it is important for them to keep history as part of the curriculum, although they have slowly eliminated some social studies.

He says history is important for the future and the new course will be a mix of geography and history. Unlike in the past when students could “opt out” of history, they will learn some through this course.

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Meanwhile, a local cultural experience tour guide, says he has noticed that many of the studies in the province are shifting away from history and culture related curriculum.

Michael Boyle, of Boyle Tours, says a focus in oil and gas is one of the reasons why people do not care about old traditions. He says younger people are not aware of big, impactful events that have taken place in the past.

Boyle says studies are becoming more technological and he asks, “If we do not have our culture, who are we?”

He says starting in September it will be interesting to see what type of changes to the curriculum will happen but unfortunately it will likely happen slowly.