SHISM Program and Specialized High School Credits Summary
Overview of the SHSM Program
SHSM is a program enabling students to focus on specific career paths through specialized training and experiences. It includes a Reach Ahead Experience, allowing exploration of future careers within a specific sector, and Dual Credits, which lets students earn college credits while completing secondary school. The program is supported by teacher liaisons who manage logistics and guide students through requirements.
Definition: SHSM is a program that allows students to focus on specific career paths through specialized training and experiences.
Reach Ahead Experience: An essential requirement focused on exploring future career paths within a specific sector.
Dual Credits: Allows students to take college courses or level one apprenticeship training that count toward both the Ontario secondary school diploma and a postsecondary certificate or diploma simultaneously.
Administrative Support: Each sector has a teacher liaison who manages workshop bookings, field trips, and guides students through the major credit bundle requirements.
Core Program Components
Major Credit Bundle: A specific set of high school courses tailored to the student's chosen subject area.
Co-op Placement: A credit co-op course providing hands-on work experience at local businesses or organizations.
Certifications and Experiences: Includes specialized training such as CPR, first aid, customer service, and leadership. Other experiences include specialized field trips, such as learning theater makeup or visiting the set of a famous Canadian talk show.
Specialization Sectors and Practical Applications
Transportation: Focuses on skills related to servicing and repairing vehicles.
Construction: Involves job shadowing professionals and participating in trade workshops to expand skill sets.
Health and Wellness: Activities include visiting Berkeley's aquarium, learning injury wrapping at a fracture clinic, and completing co-ops at local hospitals.
Business: Involves financial literacy training and participation in international business case competitions.
First Responders: Provides insight into the bravery and patience required for careers in public safety.
Student Experience and Placements
Katrina: Completing a co-op placement at Stans Accounting, focusing on real-world business tasks like profit and loss statements.
Lauren: Gaining experience through a placement in the pharmacy at Shoppers Drug Mart.