First photo is of a student working with an automotive. Second photo is of a student looking into a microscope. Third photo is a of a student painting with a brush. Fourth photo is of a student making a sculpture.

Academics

Specialist High Skills Major Programs

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to experience a range of customized, career-focused learning opportunities while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Students who successfully complete the SHSM requirements will have a special Red Seal embossed on their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and will also receive an official SHSM Record documenting the SHSM credits earned.

Program Overview

These Ministry of Education-approved programs allow students to focus on knowledge and skills, specialize their secondary school education in Arts and Culture, Business, Construction Technology and Transportation Technology, earn recognized industry certifications, and develop Essential Skills connected to their career destinations.

The SHSM program allows students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests, and to track for 4 distinct destinations:

  1. Apprenticeship

  2. College

  3. University

  4. Workplace

Students earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the SHSM designation. A red seal on the diploma identifies the SHSM achievement. As well, the student receives an "SHSM Record" outlining the achievement of the five required components:

  • A bundle of ten grade 11 and 12 credits.

  • Industry-recognized certifications.

  • Experiential learning in the transportation field.

  • "Reach Ahead" experiences connected with students' postsecondary pathways.

  • Development of Essential Skills and work habits (documented in the Ontario Skills Passport).

SHSM Deliverables

Arts & Culture

Business

Construction

Transportation

Bundle of Credits

2 Arts

2 Cooperative Education

1 Canadian World Studies or Business

1 English

4 Business

2 Cooperative Education

2 Math

1 English

4 Construction, Design or Science

2 Cooperative Education

2 Math

1 English

1 Business or Science

4 Transportation, Science or Computer Studies

2 Cooperative Education

1 English

1 Math

1 Business or Science

Sector Recognized Certifications

Examples:

Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, framing and matting, audition preparation

Examples:

Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, Customer Service, cash handling, negotiation training

Examples:

Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, Health and Safety, Working at Heights, land surveying basics, basic electrical safety

Examples:

Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, Health and Safety, Drive Clean, Pleasure Craft Operator

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning and career exploration activities within the sector.

Reach Aheads

Learning experiences connected with the student's postsecondary plans.

Sector Partnered Contextualized Component

Opportunity for students to engage with a sector partner in a real-life workshop experience tailored to the sector (e.g. I.C.E, Mathematical Literacy or Coding).

Visit the Ministry of Education for more information.

SHSM Programs

Find more information about the SHSM programs at our school:

Resources