What is a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)?

An SHSM allows students to customize their secondary school experience to fit career interests. Offered in Grade 11 and 12, an SHSM allows students to receive a specialized secondary school diploma that is recognized in various economic sectors in all four pathways.

What does an SHSM look like?

An SHSM is a bundle of 8 to 10 Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits that include two experiential learning (co-op) credits.

What do you get by taking an SHSM?

Sector-recognized certifications and training
Real workplace experience
Learning experiences connected with post-secondary opportunities
Skills and work habits required for employment success

SHSM Programs

CELP

The Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Program Management Focus

The Environmental Sustainability and Leadership program gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in various areas of the Environmental sector, while learning hands-on.

“The opportunities I have had in SHSM have changed my life. I realized I loved working outdoors and wanted to find a career that would let me do that. I now go to college in the Forestry Technician program, and I love it. I am using lots of skills I learned in SHSM and I totally recommend SHSM to anyone who likes the Environment.” PDHS graduate

The focus of this program is an environmental curriculum through which students will gain an in depth understanding of environmental science and issues. The in-class component will be enhanced through the participation of students in environmental projects and activities in the community. Students’ leadership skills will be developed as they organize these activities. Students in the program will earn 2 credits as well as certificates in other areas such as first aid and canoeing. This program will run in the morning during Semester 2.

Due to the unique structure of the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in many extended out of school activities. These may include a winter camp, canoe trip, field studies and running a residential environmental education camp for elementary students. This program is well suited to those students who might wish to pursue a career or studies in a science, geography, conservation or recreational leadership field.

The cost of the program is $200. This is a limited enrolment program that requires the completion of a registration form and teacher recommendation forms. A detailed information brochure and application package is available in the Guidance Office

Benefits of the Environmental Sustainability Program:

Receive certifications from industry leaders in Habitat Restoration, Watershed Management, First Aid/CPR, GPS use, canoeing ORKA Level 1, and more
Visits to Guelph University, Algonquin Park and other highlights of green industry expand understanding of the wealth of occupations attached to the “Environment”
Co-op placements include working at a Nature Center, assisting with sustainable farming, research and technical support with partners like Brant County Power, and assisting with environmental projects
Make connections that may support future career goals

Information and Communication Technologies Program

Because of today’s digital technology, students live a media rich, connected, and mobile lifestyle and are just as often designers of digital content as they are consumers. This Specialized High Skills Major program is intended for students wishing to pursue the wide variety of career opportunities in related pathways beyond secondary school. The advantage of the SHSM lies within the experiential learning aspects of the program. Students will also acquire skills such as innovation and creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving, information and digital literacy to succeed in IT and communications.

The Communication Technology program explores specializations and career possibilities in the areas of interior design, industrial design, product design, mechanical and architectural design as well as virtual gaming design.

“The SHSM Communication Technology program at Paris District High School prepared me with the tools and skill sets that I needed to be successful in my first year of design school. Other first year students struggled with getting their ideas down on paper and figuring out how to use software and equipment. My experience and confidence allowed me to excel in my studies!” PDHS graduate"

Benefits of the Communication Technology Program:

Students will learn about the latest technologies and software utilized in design development • Experience real world design applications
Receive certifications and training in software, health and safety
Meet and work with industry professionals such as interior designers, engineers and architects
Amazing field trips to colleges and universities with a specialization in design disciplines

To get the application form please click here.