Trafalgar’s curriculum is based on the Regime Pedagogique of
Quebec. This curriculum is currently undergoing a province wide reform.
For the 2009-2010 school year, students in all Forms will be following
the reformed curriculum.
In secondary school the
curriculum is divided into 2 cycles. Cycle 1 covers the first 2 years
(secondary 1 and 2.) The Quebec Ministry of Education, Sports and
Leisure (MELS) awards credits to students who successfully complete the
program at the end of secondary 2. Cycle 2 is made up of the last 3
years of secondary school. Students who are successful are awarded
credits by the ministry at the end of each year in this cycle.
Students
at Trafalgar follow the MELS “General” path, which is a curriculum
designed for students preparing for post-secondary studies. (the
ministry’s other paths lead to vocational training and entry into the
work force.)
The reformed curriculum is based on the
acquisition and practice of competencies. These competencies are both
cross-curricular and subject specific. Students will be evaluated on
the competencies throughout the learning process.
The
curriculum of the Quebec Education Program (QEP) aims to have students
construct a world-view, construct an identity and build a sense of
empowerment. All of these aims fit well with Trafalgar’s mission which
is to provide a balanced, superior education in an atmosphere that
encourages each girl to reach her potential as a confident young woman
capable of meeting life’s challenges and responsibilities.
The
following course descriptions reflect the curriculum at Trafalgar.
Though the basic curriculum follows the requirements of the ministry,
the school adds topics to some courses, and creates local courses in
several areas. This allows us to stay true to our mission and complete
the Quebec Education Program at the same time. Detailed course outlines
and expectations are available in September at Parent Orientation.
Credits
are granted by the Quebec Ministry of Education at the end of Secondary
Cycle 1 (Year 2) and at the end of each year of Secondary Cycle 2.
Credits are granted to students successfully completing a course (i.e.
a pass of 60.)
The last digit in each course code indicates the number of units of credit that course is worth.
Secondary Cycle I and Secondary Cycle II
The school submits to the Ministry a summary report of achievement in competencies, based on published benchmarks [Scales of Competencies].
These scales are converted into a mark on the summary report. This
report is produced at the end of Cycle 1 and each year of Cycle 2.
Year 2 and 3 – Secondary Cycle II
The
School submits to the Ministry a final mark for the students in
Secondary IV and V (years 2 and 3 of cycle II). Students in Secondary
IV and V write a number of exams and evaluations in June. Some of these
exams are set by the ministry (uniform or complementary), some by
boards of math and science, and others by the school. The Ministry then
sends a Relevé des apprentisages, in July, to each student indicating her marks in each subject as well as the total of her accumulated credits. The Relevé des apprentisages
, as well as a secondary V transcript (for term 1) is used by the
student when applying to CEGEP or other post–secondary institutions.
To obtain a Trafalgar Certificate, a student must pass all
of the compulsory courses in Secondary V as well as all but one of her
optional courses. She must also complete her Community Service (a
minimum of 15 hours per year) requirement.
* in Secondary III and IV one option must be an arts option.
Cross-Curricular Competencies
Cross-Curricular competencies are listed below. They are cover in
all aspects of the curriculum and co-curricular programs at Traf. The
regime pedagogique lists the following 9 competencies: (ministry words
in Italics).
Competency
Key Features
1. Uses information
• gathers information• systemizes the information gathering process• puts information to use
2. Solves problems
• tests possible solutions• analyzes the components of a situational problem• adopts a flexible approach
3. Exercises Critical Judgment
• Forms an opinion• Expresses her judgment• Qualifies her judgment
4. Uses Creativity
• Becomes familiar with all the elements of a situation• explores• adopts a flexible mode of operation
5. Adopts Effective Work Methods
• considers all aspects of a task• adjusts her approach• analyzes her procedure
6. Uses Information and Communications Technologies
• uses appropriate technologies• takes advantage of these technologies• evaluates her use of technology
7. Makes efforts
• recognizes her personal characteristics• takes her place among others• makes good use of her personal resources
8. Cooperates with Others
• contributes to team efforts• uses teamwork effectively• interacts with an open mind in various contexts
9. Communicates Appropriately
• becomes familiar with various forms of communication• uses various modes of communication• manages the communication process
