Social Studies
SOCIALS
Courses
A map of the world hanging in a classroom.
Social Studies Courses
Social Studies Courses range from Grade 9 and Grade 12. In Grade 8, Social Studies is taught alongside English in Humanities 8 courses, blending the two together while also exploring both topics separately.
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In Social Studies 9, Gr. 9 students learn about Canadian civics and contemporary governance. It includes the political system of Canada, its rights and citizenship, along with historical elements such as revolutions, immigration, and the experiences of various groups within Canada. The Social Studies 9 curriculum also focuses on developing research skills and critical thinking. Moreover, it touches upon the understanding the relationship between people and the land and how to become engaged, responsible citizens in a diverse society.
In Social Studies 10, Gr. 10 students build upon the skills they have acquired in Gr. 8 Humanities and Gr. 9 Social Studies classes. The courses covers content such as political institutions, different political and economic ideologies (e.g. communism vs capitalism), conflicts throughout history and policies in Canada. The course also emphasizes on First Peoples reconciliation and governance, facilitating communication and understanding of First Peoples history.
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The Incentive Program is designed for highly motivated students to challenge themselves with enriched subjects. This also applies to Social Studies and Humanities courses, which are enhanced for students to learn and discuss in more complex detail.
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Humanities 8 is taught by Ms. Calaciura and covers topics from the fall of the Roman Empire, Charlemagne, the Middle Ages, and Renaissance Europe. Students engage in discussions and videos to enrich their learning, as well as writing in-class paragraphs that analyze the topics they have learned. They also do presentations about Current Events and Inquiry projects.
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Social Studies 9 is now taught by Ms. Athena Chen. It includes independent study projects, extended group discussions and debates, as well as integrated research projects based on students' special interests. It also dives deeper into issues from 1750 to 1919 with links to Canada and other nations (hope I could make my interests on Germany to good use...)
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Social Studies 10 is taught by Mr. Gavsie. Not only does it cover the basic course curriculum of Socials 10 courses, it also features additional enrichment activities which better facilitates students' learning. Students are also expected to pursue areas of their interests to develop critical thinking skills and creative abilities.
Incentive Social Studies Courses
The whiteboard in Mr. Pablico's room. Shoot for the moon—Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!
Class Content
Canadian History​
The course content in Social Studies, especially throughout Grade 9, focuses heavily on Canadian History and its details.
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Both the English and French claimed the territories of Canada, and eventually battled over its control of Canada, in which Britain won in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham at Québec City in 1759.
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Canada has gone through various wars and events since then, including the War of 1812, the official establishment of the country, World Wars 1 and 2, and the current events we have today.
Textbooks in Social Studies​
The textbooks used in the Social Studies courses over the years include Pathways Textbooks across various grades, Canadian Oxford World Atlas, and Counterpoints.
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Pathways details World and Canadian History and includes units, timelines, vocabulary, and key points to cover all necessary content and provide useful information about history. Meanwhile, Counterpoints explores Canadian issues that is present in today's or past society.
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If you are interested to see more content and learn more history that the textbooks did not cover, online resources are always a great asset.
Social Studies 12 Details​
The Grade 12 courses are different than the previous Social Studies courses as they split into various categories, namely 20th Century World History, Law, and Psychology.
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20th Century World History 12 covers content throughout the 1900s, focusing on World War I, II, and the Cold War. Meanwhile, Law 12 covers the legal system in Canada and even include field trips for a mock trial. It is especially useful for students who plan to pursuit law in their career. It is especially important to note the university requirements for Social Studies courses vary between the degree you wish to pursue, so make sure you have enrolled in the right course.
