Academics

The ECS Pre-University Programme offers an Ontario-accredited curriculum built around three academic pathways: Science, Commerce, and Liberal Arts.

Students also have opportunities to select courses that build the foundation for their intended specializations in university. The Programme will culminate in a Capstone Project. Following Pre-University, they have the credentials to enter a four-year undergraduate programme at university.

Pathways

Science

This pathway is for students preparing for university studies in scientific or technical fields (i.e. engineering, computer science). Through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning such as labs, students deepen their understanding of science and mathematics, while developing strong inquiry and analytical skills.

Commerce

This pathway is for students who are looking to delve into the world of economics, business, and organizational systems. They continue to study mathematics and choose electives focusing on leadership, financial reasoning, and ethical decision-making. This approach strengthens analytical and strategic thinking competencies.

Liberal Arts

This pathway is for students pursuing studies in the arts, communications, law, education, political science or other interdisciplinary fields. Through an rich curriculum, students develop strong critical and creative thinking and communication skills. They engage thoughtfully with complex questions in an evolving global landscape.

Course Descriptions

Science Pathway

List of 7 items.

ENGLISH

Grade 12 University English consolidates literacy and communication along with the creative and critical thinking skills necessary for success in both academic and daily life. During the ENG4U course, students analyse a range of challenging literary, informational, and graphic texts from various periods, countries, and cultures. They will also create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. The ENG4U curriculum has three main focuses: clear and confident use of academic language; purpose of reading and reading strategy; and developing greater writing control.
CHALLENGE & CHANGE - Common Elective

Focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to understand and explain the societal impact of shifts in attitudes and behaviour. Throughout this course, students will critically analyze how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use these ideas to analyze causes of, and responses to, challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

This course extends students' experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. MHF4U is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university programme and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programmes.
CALCULUS & VECTORS

Builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who choose to pursue careers in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and some areas of business, including those students who will be required to take a university-level calculus, linear algebra, or physics course.
Chemistry

Chemistry (Grade 12 / Advanced Chemistry – Ontario curriculum)

Students build on foundational chemical concepts by studying atomic and molecular structure, chemical reactions, organic chemistry, equilibrium, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry. Laboratory investigations and inquiry-based learning support the development of experimental skills, problem solving, and scientific communication. Students will learn to analyze chemical systems and apply chemistry concepts to environmental and industrial contexts.
Physics OR Biology

Physics (Grade 12 / Advanced Physics – Ontario curriculum)

Students investigate physical laws and theories that describe the natural world, including mechanics, energy transformations, electricity and magnetism, waves, and modern physics topics. Through laboratory investigations, problem solving, and mathematical analysis, students deepen their understanding of physical principles and learn to apply physics to everyday and technological contexts. The course develops quantitative reasoning, experimental design, and conceptual synthesis.

OR

Biology (Grade 12 / Advanced Biology – Ontario curriculum)

Students explore the processes that occur in biological systems, including biochemistry, cellular function, genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and ecology. The course emphasizes scientific investigation and lab work, the application of biological concepts to real-world scenarios, and the development of research and analytical skills. Upon completion, students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking, data interpretation, and an ability to communicate scientific concepts clearly.
Ontario Literacy Course (Mandatory)

This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Students must complete the course successfully to meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation.

Commerce Pathway

List of 7 items.

ENGLISH

Grade 12 University English consolidates literacy and communication along with the creative and critical thinking skills necessary for success in both academic and daily life. During the ENG4U course, students analyse a range of challenging literary, informational, and graphic texts from various periods, countries, and cultures. They will also create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. The ENG4U curriculum has three main focuses: clear and confident use of academic language; purpose of reading and reading strategy; and developing greater writing control.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONS

This course extends students' experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. MHF4U is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university programme and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programmes.
CALCULUS & VECTORS

Builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who choose to pursue careers in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and some areas of business, including those students who will be required to take a university-level calculus, linear algebra, or physics course.
CHALLENGE & CHANGE - Common Elective

Focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to understand and explain the societal impact of shifts in attitudes and behaviour. Throughout this course, students will critically analyze how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use these ideas to analyze causes of, and responses to, challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities.
ELECTIVE 1

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
ELECTIVE 2

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
Ontario Literacy Course (Mandatory)

This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Students must complete the course successfully to meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation.

Liberal Arts Pathway

List of 7 items.

ENGLISH

Grade 12 University English consolidates literacy and communication along with the creative and critical thinking skills necessary for success in both academic and daily life. During the ENG4U course, students analyse a range of challenging literary, informational, and graphic texts from various periods, countries, and cultures. They will also create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. The ENG4U curriculum has three main focuses: clear and confident use of academic language; purpose of reading and reading strategy; and developing greater writing control.
CHALLENGE & CHANGE - Common Elective

Focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to understand and explain the societal impact of shifts in attitudes and behaviour. Throughout this course, students will critically analyze how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use these ideas to analyze causes of, and responses to, challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities.
ELECTIVE 1

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
ELECTIVE 2

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
ELECTIVE 3

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
ELECTIVE 4

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August.
Ontario Literacy Course (Mandatory)

This course is designed to help students acquire and demonstrate the cross-curricular literacy skills that are evaluated by the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Students must complete the course successfully to meet the provincial literacy requirement for graduation.

Electives at a Glance

Our elective offerings will be determined based on student interest, and shared in August. This is an overview of the options that may be selected.

List of 8 items.

Canadian & International Law

Examines elements of Canadian and international law in social, political, and global contexts. Students will study the historical and philosophical sources of law and the principles and practices of international law and will learn to relate them to issues in Canadian society and the wider world.
Canadian & World Issues

This course enables students to explore the challenges of creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Students will explore issues such as economic disparities, environmental threats, globalization, human rights, and quality of life while examining government policies, international agreements, and collective and individual responsibilities related to these geographic issues. By using the concepts of critical thinking in geography, the process of enquiry, and spatial technologies, students will acquire the skills they need to analyse these complex issues, including their impact on the natural and human environments across countries or regions of the world.
Communications Technology

This course enables students to further develop media knowledge and skills while designing and producing projects in the areas of live, recorded, and graphic communications. Students may work in the areas of TV, video, and movie production; radio and audio production; print and graphic communications; photography; digital imaging; broadcast journalism; and interactive new media. Students will also expand their awareness of environmental and societal issues related to communications technology, and will investigate career opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing technological environment.
Families in Canada

Examines issues and challenges facing individuals and families in Canada’s diverse society. In this course, students will draw on sociological, anthropological and psychological theories and research to examine factors affecting families and assess policies and practices intended to support Canadian families.
Human Growth & Development Through the Lifespan

Offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of human development throughout the life cycle. In this course, students will examine how early brain and childhood development are linked to lifelong learning, health, and well-being. They will develop child-care and human-relationship skills through lessons and activities with practical applications.
International Business Fundamentals

Examines the importance of international business and trade for our global economy and explores factors influencing success in international markets. Throughout this course, students will discover the techniques and strategies associated with effective marketing, distribution, and managing of international business. This course prepares students for post secondary programmes in business, including international business, marketing and management.
Kinesiology

Focuses on the study of human movement, factors in human development and how physical activity impacts the body. Throughout the course, students will be asked to analyze how physiological, psychological and social factors impact individual participation in sport. There will also be discussions on the history of sports.
Writer's Craft

This course seeks to develop the student’s existing knowledge and skills related to the art of writing. Throughout the various units of this course, students will: analyze models of effective writing; adopt a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and use a variety of methods to improve the overall quality of their writing. Throughout the course, students will work towards completing a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project. The course concludes with an exploration of career opportunities in the publishing industry.

Capstone Project

The Capstone Project is the culmination of the ECS Pre-University Programme in the form of a keynote-style presentation. Students reflect on their journey throughout the programme, how their experiences have shaped their thinking and skills, and how they see their future direction taking form.

Students develop the Capstone throughout the year, drawing on their academic pathway, their work-study experiences in Her Future by Design and the Non Nobis Philanthropy Programme, with structured milestones and ongoing guidance.

Students may choose one of two Capstone formats:

A retrospect of
the Pre-U journey

Students present a reflection of their complete Pre-University experience, including their academic pathway, co-op placements, mentorships, connections, and more. The focus is on how these experiences have impacted their growth, learning, and future aspirations.

Experience-focused
Capstone

Rather than a broad overview of the Pre-University journey, students can frame their Capstone around their Non-Nobis Philanthropy. They reflect on the challenge they identified, the solution they developed, and how the experience shaped their learning and future direction.

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École Miss Edgar et Miss Cramp - Miss Edgar's and Miss Cramp's School

Empowering girls to lead the way.

525 Mount Pleasant Westmount, QC Canada H3Y 3H6
Phone: 514-935-6357 | Fax: 514-935-1099

For General Inquiries: info@ecs.qc.ca

For Admissions Inquiries: admissions@ecs.qc.ca

Land Acknowledgment

The ECS community acknowledges that the land on which we learn is the ancestral territory of the Kanien'kehá (Mohawk) Nation. We honor the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on this land and remain wholeheartedly committed to working towards reconciliation.

ECS is a private school for girls that offers educational services in English from kindergarten to secondary 5, leading to the secondary school diploma (MEQ).