The Halton Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the approval of a new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program for the 2011-2012 school year, in addition to the 15 programs that are currently offered. Christ the King Catholic Secondary School will offer a Sports – Performance SHSM program in 2011-2012.
“Through the Specialist High Skills Major program, students are provided with a unique opportunity to focus their learning on a specific economic sector which interests them, while simultaneously working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma,” says Jacqueline Herman, Superintendent of Education, Curriculum Services. “The various SHSM programs offered promote individual engagement in learning and benefit each student by helping them to develop essential skills and work habits, which will prove to be an invaluable asset as they pursue the various post-secondary pathways.”
A Specialist High Skills Major is a ministry-approved and career-focused program that allows students to acquire technical knowledge and skills that are of particular importance, and of particular interest, to each individual student. In 2011-2012, there will be over 1,000 Specialist High Skills Major programs in more than 530 secondary schools in the province, with 28,000 students enrolled altogether.
SHSM programs require completion of the following components:
- A defined bundle of Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits for each of the four pathways to post-secondary destinations: apprenticeship training, college, university and workplace
- Compulsory certifications and training
- Experiential learning and career exploration, including job shadowing, work experience and job twinning
- Reach ahead opportunities which allow students to experience their intended post-secondary environment
- Development of essential skills and work habits and use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP)
Students and parents are encouraged to seek more information by visiting schooltocareer.ca for a list of all regional programs. Interested students can apply through onsorts.ca.