Students enrolling in Secondary 3 or 4 in a Québec secondary school must choose a path that includes a choice of options in science. This concept sheet is intended to guide students in their choice between the two programs offered.
The Ministère de l’Éducation and the Ministère de l’Enseignement Supérieur have created two courses that consider the needs and interests of students.
When a student registers in Secondary 3, they are offered two academic path choices. The following image summarises them.
The science courses offered in Cycle Two are divided into two distinct paths:
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General Education (GE), where the Science and Technology (ST) program is offered
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Applied General Education (AGE), where the Applied Science and Technology program (AST) is offered.
The Secondary 2 student must choose one of the academic paths for the Secondary 3 course. The same options are offered to them when choosing a Secondary 4 course.
Note that in Secondary 4, students are allowed to change courses without compromising or postponing graduation.
In Secondary 4, students may choose to register either in the Environmental Science and Technology (EST) or Science and the Environment (SE) optional programs. Students who choose either option will be eligible for the Chemistry and Physics option offered in Secondary 5.
It is necessary to check whether certain programs or certain concentrations restrict the choice of science program. For example, certain academic institutions may decide that all students in the same program must be enrolled in the same courses. Other institutions may decide to offer only one science path in Cycle Two. Therefore, it is important to discuss whether both programs are offered during registration with a guidance counsellor.
The Science and Technology program aims to develop a culture inspired by science and technology that is oriented towards solving scientific daily problems experienced by the student. The student will explore, understand, explain, and experiment with various scientific and technological phenomena. The Science and Technology program is based on finding answers to the question Why?
In addition, this course option encourages students to develop opinions, enabling them to make judgments about the phenomena around them. For example, current scientific phenomena and the understanding of everyday science will be discussed. Therefore, the course can lead students to better describe and explain their understanding of science.
In Secondary 3, the students who register in the ST program will also have other courses to select depending on what is offered at their school.
The Applied Science and Technology program aims to develop a culture oriented towards solving daily scientific problems experienced by the student. They will be required to design, produce, and analyze technical objects. The Applied Science and Technology program is primarily based on finding answers to questions such as How does it work?
In addition, this program aims to understand how technological and scientific applications work. For example, students will gain knowledge about discoveries, inventions, and innovations in various technological fields. They will also be taught to analyze objects, and technological systems, as well as tools used every day.
In Secondary 3, students who choose the Applied Science and Technology program will also have the Personal Orientation Project (POP) program in their schedule.
Both paths lead to the same Secondary School Diploma (SSD). In addition, both academic paths give access to the optional programs offered in Secondary 5 when the student has successfully completed the Secondary 4 optional program.
The Science and Technology (ST) and the Applied Science and Technology (AST) programs share over 60% of the program content. The programs also aim to develop the same skills, namely Practical and Theory skills. Moreover, it is always possible to change courses in Secondary 4.
The two programs are organised using the same theme.
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In Secondary 3, the main theme is The human, a living organism, which focuses on the importance of empowering students to take responsibility for their bodies and their health.
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In Secondary 4, the selected theme is Environmental issues, where the concepts are put into the context of four environmental issues, namely climate change, the energy challenge, drinking water, and deforestation.
The two programs pursue the same objective: to enable students to obtain a Secondary School Diploma (SSD), direct them towards vocational programs (VP), or college programs.
The two paths have significant differences in their approach. The following table summarizes the differences between the Science and Technology program and the Applied Science and Technology program.
| Science and Technology | Applied Science and Technology |
|---|---|
| The topics are approached from a scientific perspective. | The topics are approached from a technological perspective. |
| The students are more comfortable with problems solved in the lab. | The students are more comfortable with problems solved in the workshop. |
| The student can contextualize a problem. | The student can contextualize an application. |
| The students seek to understand the world around them. | The students seek to understand the objects around them. |
| The students give their opinion on problems experienced daily. | The students question the conception and design of objects used daily. |
In addition to the differences in approach, the concepts are taught differently. In the Science and Technology program, the Material World and the Earth and Space areas are more present, while in the Applied Science and Technology program, the Technological World is very comprehensive.
To make the most informed choice possible, it is advisable to support students and allow them to reflect on the different paths offered.
We recommend the following:
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Enquire about the student’s interests, strengths, and difficulties;
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Ask about the student’s interests and skills;
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Review the course choices with them to ensure that they understand the differences between the two programs;
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Ask them which learning method suits them best;
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Help them choose an academic path based on their personal choice.
There are numerous advantages to choosing the right pathway. Student motivation will be greater if the program is suitable to their learning style. Many studies show that there are different ways of learning. The two programs were created for various learning styles.
It is possible a student will not be able to take the course they chose. In addition, it is better not to choose options based on their friends’ interests, because there is no guarantee they will end up in the same group.
The student’s final decision will have no impact if they pass their courses. However, if they experience difficulties, it is recommended they meet with their school guidance counsellor.
Should questions remain about the choice of academic path and the impact that the choice may have on students’ progress, it is strongly recommended that students seek advice from their school’s guidance counsellor. In addition, science teachers can also help advise students by asking more specific questions, allowing them to reflect thoroughly and make an informed decision. Finally, members of the school administration or a homeroom teacher can also help students choose their academic path.
Alloprof offers a short questionnaire to give students a better idea of their profile so they can choose an academic path in science. For each row in the table, determine the statement that most accurately matches the student.
| Statement A | Statement B |
|---|---|
| The student prefers to understand the “why” of things. | The student prefers to understand how things work. |
| When using an object for the first time, the student prefers to read the “how to” manual before using the object. | When using an object for the first time, the student prefers to press buttons to understand how the object works. |
| The student prefers to analyze a problem before solving it. | The student prefers to use the trial and error method to solve a problem. |
| The student enjoys discussing different topics and debating their ideas. | The student prefers to assemble objects. |
| The student prefers to solve problems related to science or technology in a lab. | The student prefers to solve problems related to science or technology in a workshop. |
| The student has an interest in environmental issues. | The student has an interest in the design of technical objects. |
| The student prefers to understand scientific phenomena. | The student prefers to understand how objects are made. |
| The student prefers science in a context focused on understanding scientific and technological issues and phenomena. | The student prefers science in a context focused on the applications of science and technology. |
| The student prefers to think before acting. | The student prefers to get into action as soon as possible. |
The next step consists in adding the number of statements selected in each column. The column with the highest number of selected statements is more aligned with the student's profile and interests.
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A greater number of A statements corresponds more closely to the Science and Technology (ST) program.
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A greater number of B statements corresponds more closely to the Applied Science and Technology program (AST).