In recognition of academic excellence

Held in the presence of about 1000 parents, friends and teachers, the awards ceremony conferred certificates of excellence to 267 proud students who had scored a perfect mark of 100 in the 2007 secondary 4 history course. Certificates of excellence were also awarded to about 50 of the teachers who had taught these students in English schools across Quebec.

Jerry Cohen, president of PAAST and the emcee of the ceremony, noted that the intent of the event is to recognize excellence in the teaching and learning of history. "We acknowledge students and their teachers for their outstanding commitment to the study of history and for their joint effort in bringing the past to life, thus giving the present a foundation upon which to build the future."

While student excellence is the focus of the ceremony, teachers are publicly recognized for striving to make a measurable difference in the lives of their students by ensuring Quebec's young people receive a world-class education.

"This is a huge statement and an endeavour worthy of widespread attention. This recognition of academic excellence should be extended to all other subjects in the Anglophone sector," Mr. Cohen, who teaches at Phoenix Alternative High School in Laval, stated to Courrier Laval.

Asked what would have made the process easier, the honour roll student emphasized that the course lacks excitement. As to what she would do differently, she burst out laughing. Regaining her composure, she told Courrier Laval: "I would take a canoe ride down the Saint-Lawrence and maybe run into Jacques Cartier, that would bring him and history to life."

Not a bad idea, but although the concept of re-enacting historical events is definitely entertaining while being a learning experience, it is however time consuming and not so practical for a variety of reasons.

Asked to comment on the perception that the study of the History of Quebec and Canada lacks the sizzle that would turn young people on to the lessons of the past, Mr. Home Douglas explained that true enough, the teacher has to make it interesting but since time is precious and the course content heavy and challenging, there must be a practical approach to the strategies of teaching and learning history. "Yes, you can take the time to make the course terribly interesting but you won't be doing students any favours if they fail to master the objectives needed to succeed," Mr. Home Douglas specified.