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Secondary Education Program

All high school students in Québec pursue studies in the approved Ministère de l’Éducation et Enseignement supérieur (en français) – Ministère de l’Éducation (English) Quebec Education Program in General Studies.

The Quebec Education Program (Q.E.P.) is designed as a system with three integrating elements: broad areas of learning, cross-curricular competencies and subject areas. Its structure is intended to facilitate the establishment of connections among the different educational components.

Broad Areas of Learning

The Q.E.P. presents a number of broadened areas of learning, which deal with major contemporary issues young people will have to confront, both individually and collectively, in different areas of their lives. These issues also represent challenges to their talent and creativity. Five areas were chosen on the basis of their importance for society and their relevance for the students’ education:

  • Health and Well Being
  • Personal and Career Planning
  • Environmental Awareness and Consumer Rights and Responsibilities
  • Media Literacy
  • Citizenship & Community Life

Cross-Curricular Competencies

Cross-curricular competencies represent goals common to the whole curriculum, constitute the different types of tools that schools believe students need in order to adapt to a variety of situations and continue to learn throughout their lives. The Q.E.P. contains nine cross-curricular competencies grouped in four categories:

  • Intellectual: Uses information, Solves problems; Exercises critical judgment; Uses creativity
  • Methodological: Adopts effective work methods; Uses information and communications technologies
  • Personal and social: Achieves his/her potential; Cooperates with others
  • Communication-related: Communicates appropriately

Subject Areas

Traditional high school courses (English, French, Math etc.) are grouped into subject areas that are related or have a common focus. The General Studies curriculum is split into six subject areas:

  • Languages
  • Mathematics, Science and Technology
  • Social Sciences
  • Arts Education
  • Personal Development
  • Career Development