Grade 10 Course Descriptions 2025-2026

English Language Arts

Language & Literature

The grade 10 year in Language and Literature is year 5 in the IB MYP programme. The grade 10 English language arts course continues to focus on the students’ abilities in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students begin the year with a study of the LCC Reads text and the second book selected for summer reading. During the school year, students are required to read two core novels, one complimentary book (which may be used in literature circles), one play and a variety of poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction. Language skills continue to be stressed and developed through a writing program that covers the major modes of expository expression, e.g., narration, description, exposition, and argumentation. Speaking and listening skills are cultivated through informal and formal speeches, discussions, presentations, and seminars. Students are evaluated according to the three provincial competencies of talk, reading, production, and the MYP assessment criteria.

Extended ENGLISH

The grade 10 year in Language and Literature is year 5 in the IB MYP programme. The grade 10 extended English program is designed to maximize opportunities for LCC students who have demonstrated an aptitude for, and interest in, the study of English. Reading primary sources in translation and in English, students immerse themselves in a world of dynamic ideas, recurring concerns (e.g., selfhood, reason, religion, science, secularism, political organization, rights) and enduring art. The hope is that students will come to appreciate the broad sweep of these ideas and styles. Marrying reading with writing, the course is firmly rooted in textual analysis, underpinned by student dialogue. Students are expected to read widely, both in class and at home. The ability on the part of the student to assimilate new content independently is assumed, as is a willingness to forego constant teacher feedback. Like all grade 10 students, students in the course must read the LCC Reads title over the summer and may deliver a formal speech in line with the demands of the QAIS public-speaking competition. Students are evaluated according to the three provincial competencies of talk, reading and production, and the MYP assessment criteria.

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.

MYP - Acquisition des langues (Phases 1-2)
MEQ - Accueil (offered depending on the number of students)

Newcomers in Quebec are required to take a French language class. The welcome class offers activities adapted to non-francophones. The following three competencies: Interact orally in different situations, Read and Write various texts in French and Integrate into the school environment and Quebec society, will be developed throughout the year to meet the expectations of the Quebec Ministry of Education. Vocabulary and idioms will be central themes of discussion and help students appreciate the French language. By the end of the year, students in this group will be able to communicate their ideas and needs using simple sentences.

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

Le cours de français s’inscrit dans le programme de français langue seconde base de la 10e année. D’abord, l’élève sera amené à enrichir son vocabulaire et son expression orale en utilisant une méthode communicative adaptée aux goûts de l’adolescent. L’élève sera invité à exprimer oralement sa pensée critique sous différents formats: débats, présentations, exposés, critiques, tables rondes, discussions, etc. La compétence en lecture sera développée à l’aide de romans faciles; l’accent sera mis sur la compréhension explicite des textes et une introduction à l’inférence sera présentée. Finalement, l’élève approfondira ses habiletés en écriture et en grammaire en composant des textes courts et en développant des stratégies de révision. Le tout en respectant la progression des apprentissages du ministère de l’Éducation du Québec.

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

Ce cours s'adresse à un jeune qui s'exprime aisément en français, qui fait peu d'erreurs de syntaxe et qui utilise un vocabulaire assez recherché. Sa compétence en lecture est avérée et il est capable d'inférer les grandes idées dans différents types de textes. On enseignera le programme de français langue seconde enrichi, qui est très similaire à celui du programme de français langue d’enseignement du ministère de l’Éducation. Ainsi, l’accent sera mis sur l’acquisition de notions de grammaire. Ce programme provincial correspond également aux phases 5 et 6 du programme d’acquisition de langues dans le programme PEI (MYP). L’élève de ce programme doit être très compétent pour pouvoir le suivre.

MYP - Langue et littérature
MEQ - Français, langue d’enseignement

Le cours de français Programme langue d’enseignement du MEQ requiert une excellente connaissance de la langue française et s’adresse à des élèves qui veulent repousser les limites de leurs apprentissages en littérature, tout en développant leur pensée critique. Les élèves doivent lire de nombreux extraits d’œuvres littéraires canadiennes-françaises afin de participer aux discussions en classe. Ce cours se veut un survol de la littérature canadienne-française depuis la fondation de l’Amérique jusqu’à nos jours. Il vise à initier les élèves au développement de la pensée française à travers les siècles et à travers certains auteurs qui ont marqué leur époque. L’élève de ce programme doit être complètement bilingue pour pouvoir le suivre puisqu’il correspond à un cours de français langue d’enseignement. À la fin de l’année, les élèves écriront l’examen de Français - Langue seconde, programme enrichi du MEQ de 5e secondaire.

Spanish Third Language

This is an intermediate course in which students continue to develop their vocabulary and ability to communicate in Spanish. They develop their ability to write and read in Spanish by engaging in a variety of interactive activities. They are also acquainted with Spanish culture.

FRENCH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OVERVIEW

The French language acquisition overview shows the phases of French. The current French teacher will recommend the appropriate placement for the following school year. For students new to LCC, there may be French placement testing.

Math

MATHEMATICS – CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND TECHNICAL OPTION (CST)

The grade 10 year in mathematics is year 5 in the IB MYP programme. This course follows the mathematics curriculum of the ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ) for secondary cycle 2, year 2 (grade 10). This course is designed for students planning to pursue CEGEP studies in the social sciences, languages, arts, communications or certain vocational and technical programs. The CST option is aimed at helping students to develop mathematical literacy so that they can appreciate the connections between mathematics and the other aspects of culture as well as its contribution to the development of society. This option provides students with tools that help them to increase their capacity for analysis, consider different possibilities, make informed decisions, support their reasoning, and take a position with respect to various issues. The graphing calculator (TI-84) is used frequently to investigate and test hypotheses. Computer software and/or interactive websites are used at times to provide a better visual representation of the concepts and to gather real-life data for modeling and analysis. 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.

MATHEMATICS – SCIENCE OPTION (SN)

The grade 10 year in mathematics is year 5 in the IB MYP programme. This course follows the mathematics curriculum of the ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ) for secondary cycle 2, year 2 (grade 10). Students with a final grade 9 math mark of at least 80% are encouraged to choose the science math option in grade 10. Elementary algebra is continued, including an in-depth look at functions and relations, factoring and applications, the exponential laws, systems of equations involving two variables of the first degree, radical expressions, quadratic functions and their graphs. Heavy emphasis is placed on the role of parameters applied to a variety of functions. Statistics, both Euclidean and analytic geometry, similar figures and trigonometry are also studied. Students are encouraged to formulate conjectures and demonstrate their validity, or lack thereof, using algebraic and geometric techniques. The graphing calculator (TI-84) is used frequently to enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. 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.

Extended MATHEMATICS SCIENCE OPTION (SN)

The grade 10 year in mathematics is year 5 in the IB MYP programme. This course follows the mathematics curriculum of the ministère de l’Éducation (MEQ) for secondary cycle 2, year 2 (grade 10) in a compressed time frame to provide additional material from the Grade 11 Mathematics Science (SN) course, as well as supplementary extended topics for students who are more advanced in mathematics. The students in this course also participate in many national and American math contests.

MATH CONTINUUM

The math continuum shows the progression of math courses from grades 10 through Pre-U. The current math teacher or the academic advisor can help you figure out the right progression. For students new to LCC, the admissions office can help advise you.

Individuals & Societies

History of Quebec and Canada/Histoire du Québec et du Canada

History of Quebec and Canada is a compulsory course that constitutes the second half of a two-year History programme mandated by the Quebec Education Plan. The course is designed to focus on the development of Quebec and Canadian society, through the key MYP concepts of change, global interactions, time, place and space, and systems. The content unfolds along two axes: a diachronic (or vertical) axis that tracks changes in society over time, and a horizontal axis that involves a synchronic analysis focusing on defined structural categories that cut across chronological lines. Special emphasis is placed on the close analysis of primary and secondary historical documents, the development of reasoning skills, thesis development and effective communications skills. Students are required to pass a Ministry examination in June to receive their credits. Students will develop their ATL skills as well as characteristics of the IB Learner Profile.

Extended History of Quebec and Canada/Histoire du Québec et du Canada enrichie

The grade 10 MYP extended history course satisfies the requirements of the history program, which is a mandated Quebec Ministry of Education course. Extended history offers a unique basic grounding in key historical, philosophical, political, and economic concepts for students with a keen interest in the humanities and social sciences, as well as for students wishing to pursue higher-level studies in related IBDP subjects. Students are expected to learn independently in addition to being introduced to the rigors of writing research papers.

Intro to Entrepreneurship

This grade 10 entrepreneurship course empowers business-curious students to transform innovative ideas into viable business ventures. Through units on idea generation, business model development, and market forces and research, students will learn to identify opportunities and act upon customer needs. We'll explore financial foundations and fundraising, equipping students with the tools to manage resources, while focusing on marketing and brandbuilding to establish a compelling market presence. The course culminates in scaling and leadership, emphasizing strategic growth and inspirational team management. Students will develop essential skills in oral and digital sales pitching, critical thinking, metacognition, and understanding the commercial potential of artificial intelligence, alongside building a project portfolio that prepares them for IB Business Management, Economics and ESS courses.

Science

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ST)

This MYP Sciences course covers the mandatory curriculum in the MEQ Science and Technology progressions of learning. Students are provided with a general introduction to selected topics in chemistry, environmental science, physics, and technology focusing on the nature of matter and energy and their impact on the world and society. Students will continue to develop their approaches to learning skills and their understanding of the MYP Sciences concepts of systems, relationships, and change. Scientific concepts will continue to be developed through practical investigative activities and the study of technological objects in the science classroom and laboratory. Students will be prepared for the provincial MEQ Science exam given at the end year. This course can be taken by students planning to pursue CEGEP studies in the social sciences, languages, arts, communications, or certain vocational and technical programs.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (ST) AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (EST)

This MYP Sciences course covers the mandatory curriculum in the MEQ Ministry Science and Technology and Environmental Science and Technology progressions of learning. The two levels of this course – ST and EST – are taught simultaneously in an integrated form. Students are provided with a general introduction to selected and extended topics in chemistry, environmental science, and physics, focusing on the nature of matter and energy and their impact on the world and society. Students will continue to develop their approaches to learning skills and their understanding of the MYP Sciences concepts of systems, relationships, and change. Scientific concepts will continue to be developed through practical investigative activities and the study of technological objects in the science classroom and laboratory. Students will be prepared for the provincial MEQ Science exam given at the end year and upon successful completion of these two courses, students have the prerequisites to enroll in the Physics, Chemistry and Biology science options offered in grade 11. This course is designed for students planning to pursue the sciences and is a prerequisite for many university programs. Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor.

SCIENCE CONTINUUM

The science continuum shows the progression and choice of science courses. The current science teacher or the academic advisor can help you figure out the right progression. For students new to LCC, the admissions office can help advise you.

Physical & 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 seven year in P.E., year two 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.

Arts

Visual ARTS

Grade 10 visual art - 4 credit

This course builds on the grade 9 art course and is designed to help prepare students for the International Baccalaureate Art Programme, both standard and higher levels, and grade 11 advanced art. There is a strong emphasis on creative process and expression in artmaking. Students' technical abilities and their capacity to visually communicate and express ideas are extended. Design vocabulary and critical analysis facilitate the exploration of artwork from personal, historical, cultural, aesthetic, social, and psychological perspectives.

Grade 10 visual art - 3 credit

This course is designed for students of all levels of interest and ability in art. Students are introduced to a series of projects and are supported in the production and presentation of this creative work. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of ideas, experimentation with materials and reflection on and interpretation of art and art production. Students gain exposure to a wide variety of techniques and media to achieve a sense of personal satisfaction and discovery.

Instrumental MUSIC

This IB MYP course requires three years of experience on a wind or percussion instrument and an ability to sight-read music at a 3.5 band grade level. Students taking this course will play in the Senior Concert Band and will represent Lower Canada College in competitions, concerts, recordings, musicals, and important events. Students are expected to perform at a high level and work on developing refinement to their playing, both technically and musically. All students enrolled in this course must attend rehearsals Monday’s after school. Expectations are that students attend the annual music camp for a weekend of lessons and rehearsals (estimated fee of $295.00 for 2024-25).

Drama

Theatre Production: This MYP theatre course immerses students in the world of professional auditions, collaborative crew roles, and transformative character embodiment through scene analysis and practical exercises. Assessments encourage students to reflect and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts, fostering connections to global perspectives, and personal social development through the lens of theatre.

Devised Theatre: This class looks at theatre as a force of change in the world. Students would examine issues of importance that are meaningful to them, and use theatricality to bring these issues to the stage. This class will also include learning improv techniques, storytelling and writing monologues.

Design

Product Design

In this Grade 10 Product Design course, students learn to create tangible products using digital fabrication tools in the LCC Fab Lab. Following the MYP design cycle—research, plan, create, evaluate—they see how design decisions shape daily life and explore ways to innovate sustainably. Projects may include 3D printing connectors, laser-cutting objects, experimenting with textiles, or integrating basic electronics. While physical prototyping is the core focus, students also analyze data and consider design’s wider impact on society. This hands-on approach occasionally requires time in the Fab Lab outside class, and each student exhibits a major project at the year-end design expo.

Creative Computing

This Grade 10 Creative Computing course centers on how computers work and how to program interactive digital experiences. Guided by the MYP design cycle—research, plan, create, evaluate—students learn to code, analyze data, and experiment with electronics to bring their ideas to life. Projects can range from programming games and interactive art to building physical computing prototypes, revealing how software drives innovation in our world. By reflecting on the societal impact of computing and pushing their problem-solving abilities, students gain insight into the power of design in the digital realm. All participants present a major project at the year-end design expo.

Culture & Citizenship in Quebec

Culture and Citizenship in Quebec, a ministry required course, 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.