Curricular Connections: Grades 9 to 12

Curricular Connections: Grades 9 to 12

Contest Question | How can my voice help strengthen our democracy?

Defining Democracy

There is no single definition of democracy. It is a complex term that may be interpreted differently in different contexts. The following definition from the Canadian Library of Parliament may be a helpful starting point for students in Grades 9 to 12.

The word democracy describes a political system. In a democratic country, all eligible citizens have the right to participate, either directly or indirectly, in making the decisions that affect them. Canadian citizens normally elect someone to represent them in making decisions at the different levels of government. This is called representative democracy.

Fundamental Principles of Democracy
Students in Grades 9 to 12 may wish to delve deeper into some of the fundamental principles of democracy, including:

    • The rule of law
    • Equality and respect for human rights
    • Free and fair elections – the right to vote and run for office
    • Independent media
    • Transparent and accountable political representation
    • Opportunities for citizen participation at all levels of government
    • Tolerance of political difference

Big Ideas | English Language Arts

Big Ideas | Social Studies

    • Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and between societies (Social Studies 9).
    • The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological and geographic factors (Social Studies 10).
    • Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society (Social Studies 10).
    • Social justice initiatives can transform individuals and systems (Explorations in Social Studies 11 and Social Justice 12).
    • Understanding how political decisions are made is critical to being an informed and engaged citizen (Political Studies 12).
    • Decision making in a democratic system of government is influenced by the distribution of political and social power (Political Studies 12).
    • Political institutions and ideology shape both the exercise of power and the nature of political outcomes (Political Studies 12).
    • The impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of B.C. First Peoples (B.C. First Peoples 12)
    • Through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, B.C. First Peoples challenge and resist Canada’s ongoing colonialism (B.C. First Peoples 12).
    • Reconciliation requires all colonial societies to work together to foster healing and address injustices (Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12).
    • Use indigenous principles of learning (holistic, experiential, reflective, and relational) to better understand connectedness and the reciprocal relationship of First Peoples to the land (Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12).
    • Understanding legal rights and responsibilities allows citizens to participate more fully in society (Law Studies 12).

Curricular Competencies

    • Transform ideas and information to create original texts, using various genres, forms, structures, and styles (Creative Writing 11)
    • Curricular Competency: Compare and contrast continuities and changes, trends and patterns, or similarities and differences for different people, places, events, phenomena, ideas, or developments (continuity and change) (Explorations in Social Studies 11).
    • Curricular Competency: Experiment with genres, forms, or styles of creative and communicative texts (Spoken Language 11).

Course Content

Social Studies 9:

    • Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.
    • Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy.
    • Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world.

Creative Writing 10:

    • The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.
    • Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
    • Language shapes ideas and influences others.
    • Creative writers are observant of the world.

First Peoples Writing 10:

    • Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice.
    • First Peoples texts play a role within the process of Reconciliation.

Creative Writing 11:

    • The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.
    • Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.
    • Language shapes ideas and influences others.
    • Creative writers are observant of the world.

English First Peoples Writing 11: 

    • The exploration of text deepens understanding of one’s identity, others, and the world
    • First Peoples texts and stories provide insight into key aspects of Canada’s past, present, and future
    • Self-representation through authentic First Peoples text is a means to foster justice.

Creative Writing 12:

    • The exploration of text and story deepens our understanding of diverse, complex ideas about identity, others, and the world.
    • Language shapes ideas and influences others.
    • Creative writers are observant of the world.
    • Writers write for authentic audiences and real-world purposes.