The main purpose of the Social Studies curriculum at St Thomas Aquinas is to develop graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active citizens. An informed citizen understands key historical, geographical, political, economic, and societal concepts, and how these different factors relate to and interact with each other.
Through integrated, discussion-based approaches and student-led projects, students are supported to make new connections and follow their unique interests. Historical thinking skills, library research, debating, special projects and research papers are an integral part of course work.
During Rep Days students connect with their elected representatives for a virtual or in-person classroom meeting.
Student Budget Consultations combine civic education and financial literacy where students learn about the process of budgeting, examine the government’s revenues and expenditures, and explore current issues facing the country.
When elections are called, we hold a Student Vote, which enables teachers to bring democracy alive in the classroom where students cast ballots for the official candidates running in the school’s varied electoral districts.
Students participate in North Vancouver’s Royal Canadian Legion Branch 118 contest and learn about Canada’s wartime sacrifices.. Submissions include Remembrance Day posters, as well as literary and video entries.
Grade 8
Students examine the foundations of ancient civilizations through to the 1700’s.
Grades 9 and 10
Students examine the history of Canada from its earliest beginnings to its role in the present day world. Students explore the ‘Discovery Boxes’ loaned to St. Thomas Aquinas by The Canadian War and Canadian History museum. These include both authentic artifacts and high quality reproductions of objects which, together, tell stories of Canadian overseas and home experiences.
Grade 11 and 12
Students have the option to choose from several courses such as the following:
- Human Geography 12
- 20th Century World History 12
- Comparative Cultures 12
- Political Studies 12
- Law Studies 12
- Psychology 12
- Philosophy 12
War Games Club
Students have the opportunity to join the War Games Club and develop a greater understanding of war strategy and the interconnections of geographical, socio-political and economic factors by recreating some of the greatest battles of World War II.