APPLY TO SHSM by filling this form (copy and paste the entire link into your URL): https://bit.ly/YRDSBSHSMStudentapp
SHSM: Specialist High Skills Major Programs at Thornlea
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry-approved program that lets students develop the skills and professional knowledge required in various industries while earning their high school diploma.
Students take a bundle of 7-9 courses, including 2 CO-OP credits in a related job field, during their grade 11 and grade 12 years. Students can gain experience through course work and special reach-ahead opportunities and are able to customize their high school experience to focus on an academic and career path that interests them.
The courses associated with these programs cover the skills and knowledge that are required to succeed in the workplace and in post-secondary environments which lead to careers in these three sectors.
How to get started in Grade 11:
When choosing your courses for Grade 11 on My Pathway Planner,
check off the SHSM box. This will indicate your intent to join the program. Also, choose the right mix of courses based on the charts above. Remember that you have to take 2 major credits at the Grade 11
level and 2 major credits at the Grade 12 level. You also have to take
Coop in either Grade 11 or Grade 12.
Who to Contact:
For general questions about SHSM or for specific questions about your sector or progress, please see your Guidance counselor or visit the school's Guidance Department.
Documentation
Students who complete the program are awarded a special Ontario Secondary School Diploma, with a red seal, that shows they have successfully completed an approved Specialist High Skills Major program.
Colleges and universities are acknowledging the extra work and understanding that comes with these programs and are now awarding scholarships in some cases.
Students also receive a record of their achievements, including certificates affirming their completion of training courses. This can be used by the student, when seeking employment, as a record of skills and knowledge beyond the high school program.
Benefits of SHSM
- builds both a student's theoretical and practical experience to give him or her an advantage heading into some of the most competitive and lucrative job sectors and post-secondary destinations
- shows the student which careers are available in a specific sector, and teachers the student what he or she needs to do to be successful in that sector
- allows the student to become aware of and/or experience post-secondary and apprenticeship opportunities
- helps the student see concrete connections between school and work
- helps the student get a head-start on summer job opportunities and future employment
- helps the student make useful real-world contacts
- allows the student to earn a specialized degree--a Red Seal Diploma--in recognition of his or her participation in specialized career-focused programming
Who can enter the SHSM Program?
The program is for all high school students who want to focus their studies in the Media, Art, Health & Wellness, Business, or Transportation sectors. Whether your pathway leads to university, college, or directly to the workplace, the program is arranged so that you will get the educational and practical experience required to set you on your way. You will get to try out many of the careers associated with these job sectors while in class and during special field trips. The overall experience will help you to make the right choices for your post-secondary pathway.
Certificates by Program:
Arts and Culture (Choose 6):
Standard First Aid
CPR-C
WHMIS
|
Stage Combat
Portfolio Development
Customer Service
Lighting and Sound Equipment
Recording Equipment
Training in Art Technique |
|---|
Business (Choose 6):
Standard First Aid
CPR-C
WHMIS
Customer Service |
Management/Leadership,
Counterfeit Detection |
|---|
Health & Wellness (Choose 6):
Standard First Aid
CPR-C
Infection Control
WHMIS |
Conflict Resolution
Communication
Personality Inventory
Leadership
Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
Coaching
Customer Service
Proton |
|---|