SHSM

The Five Components of an SHSM Diploma

At the TCDSB, there are over 2,300 students enrolled in 76 SHSM programs across 28 high schools. Students may register for a program offered by their home school.

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Each SHSM program includes the following​ components:

1. Bundle of Credits

Eight to ten Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits consisting of:

• Four major credits. 

• Two to four other required credits. 

• A minimum of two required cooperative education credits.
  
  

2. Certification and Training

All SHSM programs require 6-8 sector-recognized certifications or training courses. They include specified numbers of:

• Compulsory certifications or training courses (e.g.: Standard First Aid, CPR level C).

• Elective certifications and/or training courses, which are selected from a list provided by the Ministry of Education for each sector.
  
  

3. Experiential Learning and Career Exploration Activities

• Experiential learning and career exploration activities allow students to explore, observe, participate in and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers. 

• These activities enable students enrolled in the SHSM program to learn about the opportunities available to them in careers that interest them​ (i.e.: Skills Canada competition, job shadowing and career fair/panel conference).
  
  

4. Reach Ahead Experiences

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• These are learning experiences that are connected with the student’s post-secondary plan (i.e.: attending a conference/workshop, touring a post-secondary institution, completing a Dual Credit course, etc.).
  
  

5. Sector-Partnered Experiences (SPE)

SPE activities are experiential activities co-delivered with a sector partner. They provide students with the opportunity to gain insight into the relationship between their sector program and how the following are used within the sector:

• ​Mathematical Literacy.

• Contextualized Coding.

• ICE (Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship).
  
  

Graduation

Upon graduation, students who complete an SHSM program will receive:

• An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with an embossed SHSM seal of distinction.

• A SHSM Record Card documenting the student's achievement placed in the student's Ontario Student Record.
  
  

SHSM Advantages

Students in SHSM programs have the opportunity to do the followings:

• Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents through a specialized package of credits.

• Develop sector-recognized knowledge and skills while earning their OSSD.

• Explore, identify, and refine career goals - cooperative education credits allow students to practice and refine skill development, network with professionals working in the sector and gain sector-specific employment experience.

• Make informed decisions regarding post-secondary destinations.

• Access resources, equipment, and expertise that may not be available in their home secondary school.

• Receive a special SHSM red seal designation on their diploma.

• Network with potential employers.