s'Cool Features

These features were produced for the s’Cool television programme in 2008-2009. They were researched and written by students and reflect the students’ preoccupations and unique voices. They can be used in class as conversation starters or hooks, or as media productions to critique and learn from.

About the ERC program

On this page you will find the s’Cool features that lend themselves to the ERC program. They all fit with the first competency: Reflects on ethical questions. However, when the features are used as catalysts for scaffolded discussions, the third competency will also be mobilized: Engages in dialogue.

	Bullying Chateauguay Valley Regional High School, NFSB Teacher: Alexander Geukjian Bullying has always been a frightening rite of passage of childhood and adolescence. The students at CVR take a look at bullying in their own unique way, with testimonials from people who were victims of bullying, alarming new stats and a little life lesson in true CVR style. >> Classroom use
	Meaning of the Word ‘Gay’ Lakeshore Academy, LBPSB Teachers: Lorne Nathan and Carin Schwartz How are young people using the word ‘gay’? The students from Lakeshore Academy call attention, without judgment, to the controversy surrounding the use of this multipurpose word. Is it wrong? Is it mean? The jury is still out, but most agree that calling someone or something ‘gay’ is never positive. >> Classroom use
	Teen Smoking H.S. Billings High School, NFSB Teacher: Greg Giroux In Quebec, 1 in 3 students admits to smoking occasionally, and 74% of those say they smoke every day. With easy access to cigarettes, even in spite of more stringent laws, it’s a tough habit to break once you’re hooked. So why do it in the first place? The students at H.S. Billings High School ask the hard questions. >> Classroom use
	Save our Green Space H.S. Billings High School, NFSB Teacher: Greg Giroux When a small green space in their community is turned into an indoor soccer stadium, the students from H.S. Billings High School start asking questions and looking for answers. What they discover is not so much green, as it is many shades of grey. >> Classroom use
	Brick by Brick Alexander Galt High School, ETSB Teacher: Kevin Shea Moved by the plight of children in Sierra Leone, the students at Alexander Galt High School join Free the Children in building a school, brick by brick. >> Classroom use
	Brands Lake of Two Mountains High School, SWLSB Teacher: Kim White In this split-personality feature, the students at Lake of Two Mountains High School explore the love-hate relationship teenagers have with brands and brand names. While extremely knowledgeable and highly enthusiastic about brands, the teenagers in this feature claim not to be influenced by them. Hmmm.
	Lunch Time Laurier MacDonald High School, EMSB Teachers: Charles Northey and Alan Taylor Eating is all about making choices. The students at Laurier MacDonald explore our addiction to fast food by comparing a homemade lunch with cafeteria fare and fast food. There’s even a blind taste test! The results? Watch and find out. It’s lunchtime!
	Bad reputation Laurier Macdonald High School, EMSB Teachers: Charles Northey and Alan Taylor How are students in high school stereotyped and how does it affect their reputation during their high school years? The students at Laurier MacDonald look at the consequences of having a bad reputation through interviews and commentary.
	Sex Education in School Lakeshore Academy, LBPSB Teachers: Lorne Nathan and Carin Schwartz Teenagers find out about sex from older friends and through the media. Some might have parents they can talk to about sex. How accurate are these sources and how high is the embarrassment factor? So where’s the sex education in our schools? At Lakeshore Academy, most students agree that sex education has a place in their school to give all students up to date information on sex and sexuality.