Requirements

Students in both (AC) and (ICT) SHSM will complete the following 5 required components while fulfilling the requirements of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):

1. Defined Bundle of Credits

Arts & Culture (AC)
• 8 credits during grade 11 and Grade 12 including:
• 4 credits in an "area of major study" that provide knowledge and skills in the fields of dance, drama, music, construction technology, communication technology, or visual arts;
• 2 credits with contextualized units (grade 12 English and a grade 11 or 12 business or Canadian and world studies);
• 2 credits in Cooperative Education
Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
• 9 credits during grade 11 and Grade 12 including:
• 4 credits in an "area of major study" that provide knowledge and skills in the fields of computer studies, technical design, communication technology, or visual arts;
• 3 credits with contextualized units (grade 12 English; grade 11 math; and a grade 11 or 12 business, science or visual art);
• 2 credits in Cooperative Education

2. Sector recognized Certifications and Training Programs

• SHSM students will be given the opportunity to gain sector-recognized certification awareness and training that enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills related to safe work habits. In addition, this training provides SHSM students with an advantage when entering the workplace in such things as:
• Standard First Aid
• Level A CPR
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
• Fall Arrest
• Stage Combat
• Make Up/ Special Effects

Important Note: Certifications and workplace-related health and safety courses taken as part of the SHSM program do not remove the obligation of the employer to provide workplace-, site-, and equipment-specific training. Ontario employers are obligated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide workplace-specific health and safety training to every worker and to ensure that workers are aware of hazards, processes, procedures and rules related to safety in their workplace. SHSM certifications and training programs are a complement to - but not a replacement for - the health and safety training obligations of employers.

3. Engage in Experiential Learning

• Experiential learning consists of planned learning experiences that take place outside of the traditional classroom setting. Credits in the SHSM framework must include experiential learning opportunities for students so they can connect their learning in school to work in the sector. Experiential Learning can include job shadowing, job twinning, work experience, virtual work experience, and Cooperative Education.
• The SHSM framework includes a minimum of two credits in Cooperative Education which are linked to any credits in the bundle. Students transfer knowledge, skills, and safe work practices learned in the bundle credits to a workplace environment. Students gain workplace experience, further awareness of sector-specific career opportunities, and network with employers. Students also become aware of the importance of the essential skills and work habits.

4. Engage in 'Reach Ahead' experiences

• Students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program have opportunities for learning experiences directly related to their desired postsecondary destination. These experiences enable students to gain confidence in their ability to be successful, refine their skills and work habits, and make an informed choice about future careers and next steps.
• All Reach Ahead opportunities are considered experiential learning, but experiential learning experiences are only Reach Ahead if they are directly related to the student's chosen postsecondary destination (workplace, apprenticeship, college, or university).
• Experiences can range from a few hours in length to the time necessary for a full course, and may include:
• job-shadowing someone for a day or more in a career the student is considering
• attending a number of college or university classes in their area of interest;
• attending a conference or workshop held by the economic sector for their SHSM;
• completing a ministry-approved dual credit course(s)/program or apprenticeship training where students graduate with learning/credits that may count towards the first year in postsecondary institution or towards an apprenticeship program.

5. Use the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)

• The Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) is used to identify and track students' demonstration of essential skills and work habits during their work experiences in their chosen economic sector, and to plan further skill development. Using the OSP to track their development of Essential Skills and Work Habits will benefit students as they make the transition from school to their postsecondary destination.