Social Sciences
Cycle 1:
In their CORE class, students at Westmount High study geography in Secondary 1 and history in Secondary 2. They have the unique opportunity to take these courses with their English and Study Skills teacher. In the case of French Immersion, students take their geographie and histoire courses with their French teacher.
The geography course is designed to help students understand the organization of territories, interpreting territorial issues and constructing a consciousness of global citizenship. Topics include energy, tourism, exploitation of forests, environments at risk and others.
The history course is designed to help students to develop their understanding of the present while examining the past. The curriculum prepares them to participate as informed citizens in a global and pluralistic society. Students have the chance to study Ancient Civilizations up until the Industrial Revolution.
Cycle 2:
Secondary 3 and 4:
The History of Québec and Canada is a course taken by all Secondary 3 and 4 students. The course is offered in English and French depending on your child’s program. It is taught
chronologically over a two-year period. Secondary 3 focuses on the study of periods and phenomena from the origins of the history of Québec and Canada to 1840. Secondary 4 covers the period of 1840 to present day. This course culminates in the MEES uniform exam that is taken by all students and must be passed in order to graduate from high school
Sec 5 Contemporary World:
This course is taken by all Secondary 5 students and is paired with their financial literacy course. The course is offered in English and French depending on your child’s program.The course focuses on contemporary world issues and 20th century history.
Themes that are covered include population, wealth, tension and conflict.
Sec 5 Financial Education:
This course is taken by all Secondary 5 students and is paired with their Contemporary World course. The course is offered in English and French depending on your child’s program. Financial Education prepares students to manage their personal finances and helps them make informed choices. It promotes responsible behaviour and the development of sound judgement. Themes covered include: consuming goods and services, entering the workforce and pursuing an education.
AP Psychology:
AP Psychology explores a broad range of topics from brain physiology to social behavior. Over the course of a year, students immerse themselves in scientific findings and begin to understand and think critically about the complexities of human behavior. Students can earn advanced credit by writing the AP exam in May.
AP Philosophy: This course exposes students to a wide range of big questions in philosophy, encouraging them to think critically about various answers proposed by different philosophers. Students can earn advanced credit by writing the AP exam in May.
AP Comparative Politics: Comparative Government and Politics is an option open to all students in the Secondary 5 Contemporary World course. Students become experts in the government and politics of the following six countries: China, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia and the United Kingdom. Students can earn advanced credit by writing the AP exam in May.
MEES Leaving Exam: Secondary 4, History of Quebec and Canada