Grade 8 Course Descriptions 2025-2026

Language and literature

The grade 8 year in Language and Literature is year 3 in the IB MYP programme. Students continue to enhance their learning of the three competencies outlined by the MEQ provincial program in grade 8 and the conceptual understandings outlined in the MYP curriculum. Students read several literary works, including a Shakespeare play and a World Literature text. The writing component of the course draws its focus from literature analyzed during the year, as well as from current events. Students are encouraged to identify and expand on a variety of themes and to make connections to their personal life, different texts, and world issues. Throughout the year, students are also encouraged to reflect on the various Approaches to Learning skills outlined at the start of Cycle One in order to be well-rounded and more independent learners by the time they move into Cycle Two.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION

Lower Canada College follows the French curriculum of the Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (MEQ) in tandem with the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). This information details our French program offerings and provides the alignment between the MEQ and IB MYP programs.

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) - Acquisition des langues (Phases 1-2)
Ministère de l’Éducation du Québec (MEQ) - Accueil (offered depending on number of students)

Newcomers in Quebec are required to take a French language class. The welcome class offers activities adapted to non-francophones. These three competencies - interact orally in different situations, read and write various texts in French and -integrate into the school environment and Quebec society - are developed throughout the year to meet the expectations of the Quebec Ministry of Education (MEQ). Vocabulary and idioms are central themes of discussion and help students appreciate the French language. By the end of the year, students in this group are able to communicate their ideas and needs using simple sentences, and will be able to integrate the next level of French (MEQ - de base).

MYP - Acquisition des langues (Phases 2 à 4)
MEQ - Français, langue seconde de base

Ces phases s'adressent aux élèves qui nécessitent une approche plus soutenue de la part de l'enseignant. L’objectif global de l’enseignement du français est d’assurer aux élèves la maîtrise des habiletés à comprendre et à rédiger des textes variés, ainsi qu’à communiquer oralement. À l'intérieur de ce cours, les élèves développent leur vocabulaire de base et l'enrichissent à l'aide de textes de plus en plus élaborés. De plus, la grammaire de base est au cœur du développement de la compétence en écriture. L'élève sera appelé à produire de courts textes littéraires et courants tout au long de l'année. La compétence en communication orale sera aussi développée au cours de l'année au fur et à mesure que le vocabulaire s'élargira. Enfin, un élève dans ces deux phases consolidera ses acquis et développera de nouvelles compétences pour pouvoir mieux communiquer en français.

MYP - Acquisition des langues Phases (5-6)
MEQ - Français, langue seconde - programme enrichi

L’objectif global de l’enseignement du français est d’assurer aux élèves la maîtrise des habiletés à comprendre et à rédiger des textes variés, ainsi qu’à communiquer oralement. En écriture, amener les élèves à accroître leur habileté à exprimer leur pensée et leur imaginaire dans des textes conformes aux règles de fonctionnement de la langue écrite et dont le contenu et l’organisation favorisent la compréhension. En lecture, amener les élèves à comprendre le sens des textes littéraires narratifs, dramatiques et poétiques et des textes courants, à en reconstituer le contenu et l’organisation, à en discerner le point de vue et à y réagir. En communication orale, amener les élèves à exprimer leurs idées de façon précise au cours de situations telles que la discussion, l’exposé et le débat. L’élève qui se voit placé dans ces phases sera automatiquement placé dans la voie française (French Stream). Cette voie implique que l’élève suive ses cours de science et de géographie en français. Dans ces deux cours, les consignes sont données en français et les activités se passent en français, toutefois la grammaire et la langue n’y sont pas enseignées.

MYP - Langue et littérature
MEQ - Français langue d'enseignement

Le français, langue d'enseignement, respecte le programme du ministère de l'Éducation (MEQ). Les élèves sont appelés à développer les trois compétences en français, soit : lire et apprécier des textes variés, écrire des textes variés et communiquer oralement selon les modalités variées. En lecture, ils doivent apprendre à comprendre, à justifier, à interpréter et à réagir aux différents types de textes à l'étude. En écriture, ils doivent élaborer des textes cohérents, faire appel à leur créativité, réfléchir à leur pratique de scripteurs et mettre à profit des connaissances sur la langue, les textes et la culture. En communication orale, les élèves doivent construire du sens, intervenir oralement, adopter une distance critique, réfléchir à leurs pratiques d'auditeurs, d'interlocuteurs. De plus, à la fin de la 8e année, les élèves passeront l'épreuve obligatoire d'écriture pour tous les élèves francophones du Québec.

Spanish Third Language

This is the first year of a beginner’s course in which students develop their vocabulary and the ability to communicate, write and read in Spanish. They are also acquainted with Spanish and Latin-American culture. During this course, students interact in Spanish through dialogue, role play and presentations, as well as learn to understand a variety of texts in Spanish. Moreover, as they develop vocabulary and sentence structure, they produce short written texts.

Mathematics

Mathematics 206

Standard Mathematics 206

The grade 8 year in mathematics is year 3 in the IB MYP programme. Problem solving is central to all aspects of this course with a combination of practical problems and more abstract mathematical concepts in algebra and geometry. Students will investigate patterns, different modes of representation, proportional situations, surface area, simplify algebraic expressions and solve linear algebra. The students learn how to represent information, explore, and model situations, learn how to communicate using appropriate mathematical language, and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems, in a wide variety of contexts, including real-life situations. The material of the course is modified from the regular LCC grade 8 math curriculum to more closely reflect the minimum Quebec Ministry curriculum. The goal of this course is to better focus on the necessary skills and material while reinforcing confidence and fundamental concepts.

Extended Mathematics 206

The extended grade 8 mathematics course accelerates the content of the regular program in order to elevate the rigor of the material and to develop the material through project based learning. The students in this course also participate in national and American math contests.

Physical and Health Education

The Physical and Health Education program at LCC is dedicated to the development of an understanding and appreciation of the value of being physically active along with the motivation for making healthy life choices. The grade eight year in P.E., year three in the IB MYP programme, offers individual skill development, team play, and personal fitness.. IB MYP Key Concepts of Development, Communication, and Change guide units in a variety of sports and activities.

The course promotes an active lifestyle through maximum participation. Students gain knowledge and competency in age-appropriate team games and individual sports. A middle distance run and beep test are used in the fall and spring, respectively, to explore aerobic fitness. The health component of the course focuses on topics leading to the achievement of a healthy, active lifestyle, such as nutrition, sportsmanship, and leadership. The sport education component teaches character education through sports.

Culture and citizenship in Quebec

Culture and Citizenship in Quebec

This is a ministry required course that teaches students how to engage in sociological interpretation, ethical reflection, dialogue and critical thinking. This program also teaches students about sociological interpretation, ethical reflection, engaging in dialogue and critical thinking about various topics related to human sexuality. These elements of the program respect students’ age and level of psychosexual development.

Science

This grade 8 MYP Science course continues to engage students and allow them to further explore fundamental scientific principles. Students will engage in hands-on experiments, collaborative projects, and critical thinking activities to explore a range of topics, including density, acids and bases, the periodic table, the solar system and technology.

Individual and societies MYP Year 3 (history and Citizenship Education)

This MYP course looks at world history by combining thematic and chronological approaches, as well as an investigatory unit into an area of history of the individual student’s choice. Students will develop a variety of ATL skills during the course of the year, such as research, self-management and collaboration skills in order to be successful in the course. In addition, students will acquire the habit of independently making inferences and developing supportable generalizations by comparing political, economic, social, cultural, territorial, military and technological aspects across historical eras. Students will showcase these skills, as well as their public speaking talents, in a cumulative presentation in late May. Students may take this course in French if they possess the requisite language skills.

Design

In grade 8, students revisit the MYP design cycle but gain greater awareness of research and creation linked to diverse fields of study, including computer science, design technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Beyond simply making things - students explore design's profound impact on sustainability in our globally connected society. Interdisciplinary in nature, students learn how to communicate ideas, reflect on interactions, and exercise iterative design thinking as a means of discovery, equipping them with the skills to generate digital or physical solutions to real-world problems.

Optional Courses

Arts

Visual Art

The MYP IB Visual Art curriculum is structured to provide a balanced blend of studio practice and art appreciation. Through hands-on engagement with fundamental media, students are encouraged to explore observational drawing techniques as well as tap into their own creative imaginings. Within the realm of painting, emphasis is placed on mastering basic brushwork techniques while employing color to both depict objects faithfully and to evoke narrative depth. Concurrently, the art appreciation component of the course aims to furnish students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements and principles of design, enabling them to critically analyze and articulate the communicative efficacy of renowned artistic works. Through guided inquiry into the oeuvres of celebrated artists, students are equipped with the analytical tools necessary to discern and appreciate the diverse modes of expression inherent within visual art. Notably, this course operates within a semester framework, strategically partnered with MYP IB Drama.

Performing Arts - Drama

The IB MYP Drama curriculum is designed to foster the acquisition of collaborative and interpersonal skills essential for students' future endeavours. Students engage in a comprehensive exploration of effective teamwork dynamics, coupled with reflective analysis of collaborative processes. The curriculum encompasses an examination of stage conventions, audience presentation techniques, and vocal projection, complemented by an inquiry into issues of privilege and representation within the theatrical landscape, with particular emphasis on voice modulation and accentuation. Moreover, students delve into the realm of improvisation and delve into the historical and practical intricacies of Commedia Dell'Arte, a theatrical tradition foundational to numerous contemporary character archetypes prevalent in modern media. All projects within the course framework incorporate elements of scriptwriting, alongside the assimilation of physical and vocal techniques geared towards optimizing onstage communication efficacy. This course operates within a semester format, synergistically partnered with IB MYP Visual Art.

Music

This IB MYP Music course is tailored for students possessing a minimum of one year of prior musical instruction. Beyond the cultivation of practical instrumental proficiencies, learners are guided towards a deeper comprehension of the cultural underpinnings and intrinsic significance inherent within the musical repertoire under study, acknowledging its profound role as a conduit of human expression. Furthermore, students are poised to enhance their aptitudes for music performance, composition, and aesthetic appreciation. The integration of a process journal remains a pivotal component, facilitating the documentation of coursework and fostering reflective analysis of individual progress and acquired insights throughout the academic year. It is expected that students participate in the annual music camp, comprising a weekend immersive in lessons and rehearsals, with an associated fee estimated at $390 for the academic year 2024-25.