Grade 9 Course Descriptions 2025-2026

English Language Arts

Language & Literature

The grade 9 year in Language and Literature is year 4 in the IB MYP programme. The grade 9 Language and Literature course focuses 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 they selected for summer reading. During the school year, students are required to read three core texts and a variety of poetry, short fiction, and nonfiction. Rhetorical devices are studied in conjunction with both writing and public speaking, and various media is integrated throughout the year in accordance with different assignments. Speaking and listening are cultivated through formal and informal speeches, discussions, and presentations. Students are evaluated according to the three provincial competencies of talk, reading, 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 2-4) 
MEQ - Français, langue seconde de base

Le cours de français s’inscrit dans le programme de français langue seconde base de la 9e année. La première année du 2e cycle du cours secondaire présentera à l’élève un nouveau défi quant à la méthode et au matériel utilisé. L’élève sera invité à exprimer oralement sa pensée critique sous différents formats: débats, présentations, exposés, critiques, tables rondes, discussions, etc. Les contes, les mythes et les légendes feront l’objet de lectures et de sujets d’écriture au cours de l’année. 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.

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

Ce cours s'adresse à un jeune qui s'exprime assez 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. 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, puisque les élèves de 9e année qui sont dans ce cours suivront également leur cours d’histoire de 9e année en français. 

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

L’élève de ce programme est parfaitement bilingue. Il sera appelé à développer les trois compétences en français du ministère de l’Éducation, soit : lire et apprécier des textes variés (40%), écrire des textes variés (40%) et communiquer oralement selon les modalités variées (20%). En lecture, il devra apprendre à comprendre, à justifier, à interpréter et à réagir aux différents types de textes à l'étude. En écriture, il devra élaborer des textes cohérents, faire appel à sa créativité, réfléchir à sa pratique de scripteurs et mettre à profit des connaissances sur la langue, les textes et la culture. En communication orale, l’élève devra construire du sens, intervenir oralement, adopter une distance critique, réfléchir à leurs pratiques d'auditeurs, d'interlocuteurs. Pour ce qui est du programme de Langue et Littérature, l’ajout d’analyses dirigées de textes s'inscrit dans le continuum du programme jusqu’au diplôme.

Spanish Third Language

This is the second year of an introductory course on the Spanish language and culture. Its aim is to provide the students with a sound basis in vocabulary and basic sentence structure through interactive and engaging lessons. Students also read a variety of texts, as well as write and create short presentations.

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

REGULAR MATH

The grade 9 year in mathematics is year 4 in the IB MYP programme. Algebra, exponents, radicals, factoring and applications of factoring, solving of linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, linear relations, properties of functions, inverses, and word problems are the major topics covered. A main goal of the grade 9 curriculum is to lay the foundation for the rigorous courses that follow in the last two years of high school. 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 graphing calculator (TI-84) is used frequently to enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. At the end of the year, students with a final mark of at least 80% are encouraged to choose the science math option in grade 10.

Standard Math

The grade 9 year in mathematics is year 4 of the IB MYP programme. Algebra, exponents, factoring and applications of factoring, solving of linear equations, inequalities, linear relations, properties of functions and word problems are the major topics covered. The material of the course is modified from the regular LCC grade 9 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. 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 graphing calculator (TI-84) is used frequently to enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. While this course prepares students for the Grade 10 Cultural, Social and Technical (CST) course, students may be allowed to access Grade 10 Science Options (SN) provided they earn a minimum grade of 85% and work independently before grade 10 on some additional material in order to be prepared for Grade 10 SN content.

Extended MATHEMATICS

The goal of the grade 9 extended mathematics is to provide enrichment, not only by increasing the rigor and going deeper into the topics, but also by providing opportunities to prepare for and write national math contests. Writing a variety of math contests exposes students to atypical problems requiring creative problem-solving skills.

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 MYP Year 4

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

The program 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 Grade 9 course represents the first half secondary History and Citizenship education. The course begins with the first inhabitants of North America and ends in 1840. The course lays the overwhelming proportion of emphasis on Quebec history; however, instructors will raise parallels with developments in the rest of Canada and, whenever appropriate, other parts of the world. 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 (e.g. economic, social, and political development). 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.

Science

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

This MYP Sciences course covers the curriculum of the MEQ Science and Technology progressions of learning.  Further study of biological, chemical, and physical concepts provides an opportunity to acquire a broad exposure to scientific phenomena. Also, there is a problem solving approach that encourages the application of these concepts in creative ways. This entails designing experiments, gathering and processing observations, interpreting and communicating results. Students are given the opportunity to design and present their own investigations during a grade 9 science fair. The grade 9 course is delivered in English.

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

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. All students also take a CPR course. The sport education component teaches character education through sports.

Arts

Visual ARTs

The grade 9 IB MYP Visual Art course is crafted to accommodate students across the spectrum of artistic interests and proficiencies. Aimed at providing a comprehensive exposure to diverse artistic media and disciplines, the curriculum ensures a broad exploration of techniques and methodologies. Students are afforded opportunities for personal growth and discovery, as they continue to refine their technical competencies and expand their capacity for visual expression and communication. The course actively promotes an inquisitive engagement with visual arts, encouraging students to delve into its multifaceted dimensions. Central to the pedagogical approach is a robust emphasis on elucidating the creative process inherent in art-making, alongside the cultivation of an appreciation for Canadian artistry, artists, and cultural narratives. Through this holistic framework, students are empowered to cultivate a nuanced understanding of the artistic landscape while fostering a deep-seated appreciation for the rich tapestry of Canadian artistic heritage.

DRAMA

The IB MYP Drama course serves as a gateway to the world of theater, prioritizing creativity and collaborative engagement. Students delve into physicality, character development, and the intricacies of production, culminating in a presentation to their peers. Through improvisational exercises, they refine their storytelling abilities. Active involvement is paramount, underscoring the significance of embracing the artistic journey in achieving proficiency and success within the realm of drama.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

This IB MYP Music course mandates a minimum of two years of experience on a wind or percussion instrument. Beyond in-class performance, students are integrated into the Senior Concert Band, necessitating a commitment to Monday afternoon rehearsals. Throughout the course, students continue to refine their musical aptitude, tackling increasingly complex repertoire. Expectations encompass the development of advanced musical concepts such as phrasing, tuning, music history, theory, and other nuanced elements essential for fluency in the language of music. Repertoire selection spans a diverse array of styles, ranging from the classical compositions of J.S. Bach and Mozart to contemporary works by renowned composers like Robert W. Smith and Michael Sweeney. Additionally, students are expected to participate in the annual music camp, a weekend dedicated to intensive lessons and rehearsals, with an associated fee estimated at $310 for the academic year 2025-2026.