SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR (SHSM)

WHAT IS A SPECIALIST HIGH-SKILLS MAJOR?

A Specialist High-Skills Major (SHSM) is a program designed to give students who have identified a potential post-secondary pathway a more intensive high-school experience, concentrating their studies specifically towards their future goals.

WHAT IS THE ARTS AND CULTURE SHSM AT LORD DORCHESTER?

Grade 9 & 10:

• General program including opportunities for musicians, artist and actors to participate in level a wide range of artistic opportunities.

Grade 11 & 12:

• SHSM students begin to specialize, with extra music, art and/or drama credits

• Opportunities for Reach-Ahead and Experiential Learning activities in conjunction with community partners

• Co-op placement in an arts-related field of interest

WHY THE LORD DORCHESTER ARTS AND CULTURE SHSM?

• The Arts and Culture SHSM at LDSS allows students the opportunity to participate in a greater variety of artistic experiences than they might find elsewhere while honing in on possible post-secondary destinations

• Partnerships with Western University, Fanshawe College, and OIART (Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology) give students a chance to engage with potential post-secondary settings in a meaningful way while still in high-school

• Partnerships with A-Track Music, the London Arts Council, and the Grand Theatre (among others) allow students access to professional and amateur performances and musicians in a more in-depth and engaging fashion (both in informal activities and co-op placements)

WHY CHOOSE LORD DORCHESTER?

• Lord Dorchester offers a strong tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics

• LDSS embraces a growing diversity with traditions dating back more than 50 years

• Minutes East of Veteran's Memorial Parkway, students from both urban and rural settings mix, giving LDSS its unique demographics