Canada: Origins, Histories and Movement of PeoplesOverview: Grade 7 students will explore the origins, histories and movement of peoples who forged the foundations of Canadian Confederation.  They will examine how the political, demographic, economic and social changes that have occurred since Confederation have influenced ways in which contemporary Canada has evolved.  Through an examination of events preceding and following Confederation, Grade 7 students will acquire an understanding of how Canada has evolved into a multicultural, bilingual, pluralistic and diverse society; and they will appreciate how these dimensions of Canada have affected citizenship and identity over time.

The course will be divided into two distinct sections, with each section taking about half the school year:

Section 1 – Toward Confederation

Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the distinct roles of, and the relationships among, the Aboriginal, French and British peoples in forging the foundations of Canadian Confederation.

Section 2 – Following Confederation:  Canadian Expansions

Students will demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of how the political, demographic, economic and social changes that have occurred since Confederation have presented challenges and opportunities for individuals and communities.

Contemporary Canadian issues (current events) will addressed throughout the course, either as separate studies or linked in their historical context. 

Evaluation: By the end of their grade nine year, students will have developed a number of benchmark skills and processes.  These are outlined on the next page.  Assignments and evaluation will be tailored accordingly.  Students can expect content quizzes and exams, various written responses, map work, role playing, presentations, note taking, and so on.  Specific weightings of particular assignments will be made available on interim report cards.  The final exam will carry a weighting of 25%.  Student marks will be calculated in a cumulative manner.  In other words, a student will build his or her mark through the entire year rather than starting fresh each term.

*Students in the German Bilingual program receive all of their social studies instruction in German.  Their texts and worksheets are primarily in German as well.