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What is a Specialist High School Skills Major Program (SHSM)?
It is a ministry-approved specialized career-focused program Grade 11 & 12 where students acquire knowledge and skills that are of particular importance in specific sectors and earn certifications recognized in those sectors.
Woburn offers the following SHSM's:
Business (New 2025-2026)
Health & Wellness
Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:
an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed SHSM seal
a SHSM record documenting their achievement
formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript
Whether you're planning to enter the workforce, college, or university, SHSM gives you a competitive edge and a head start on your career path. Join a community of motivated learners and take the first step toward your future in business, health & wellness or ICT!
Contact: kari.peters@tdsb.on.ca with any questions regarding Woburn's SHSM Programs
Woburn Collegiate Institue
2222 Ellesmere Road
Scaroborough, ON M1G 3M3
Phone: 416-396-4575
Discover SHSM at Woburn: Specialized, Hands-On, Future-Focused
Discover SHSM at Woburn: Specialized, Hands-On, Future-Focused
Woburn’s Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Health & Wellness offers students a unique opportunity to explore their interests, gain real-world experience, and prepare for post-secondary pathways—all while earning their high school diploma.
Reach-Ahead Opportunities
Reach-Ahead Opportunities
Our SHSM students benefit from a variety of reach-ahead experiences that connect classroom learning to future education and careers:
Dual Credits: Earn both a high school and college credit through engaging college-level courses.
Competitions: Challenge yourself and build skills through events like HOSA, Team 188 Robotics, Skills Canada, and Computing & Coding competitions.
Life Sciences Ontario Virtual Sessions: Connect with professionals and explore careers in the life sciences through interactive online events.
Experiential Learning
Experiential Learning
Students participate in hands-on workshops and career exploration activities that bring learning to life:
Centennial College: Explore post-secondary pathways through campus visits and interactive sessions.
Robotics & Electronics Workshops: Dive into STEM with hands-on learning experiences.
Ontario Science Centre – Way to Glow Workshop: Discover the science behind light and health in a fun, engaging environment.
Metalworks Production Studios: Attend a workshop and career panel to explore the intersection of health, media, and technology.
Sector Recognized Certification & Training
6 or & sector recognized certifications that have been identified through extensive sector consultations
3 or 4 compulsory certifications
3 or 4 elective certifications and/or training courses/programs
Recommended:
3- 4 in Grade 11
3-4 in Grade 12
Building Skills. Building Memories.
Building Skills. Building Memories.
Claremont Nature Centre Overnight Trip
Students from both SHSM programs in Health & Wellness and ICT were offered the opportunity to go on an overnight trip to the Claremont Nature Centre. This experience gave students the opportunity to earn three valuable certifications: ICE (Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship), Leadership, and either Group Dynamics (Health & Wellness) or Photography (ICT).
Beyond the certifications, the overnight setting fostered a strong sense of community. Shared meals, team-building activities, and reflections helped students connect across programs, build lasting friendships, and strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills in a natural, supportive environment.
This trip was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a chance to grow, connect, and lead.
Cedar Glen SHSM Adventure!
Woburn CI SHSM students took their learning outdoors at YMCA Cedar Glen!
From leadership challenges to team-building activities, students earned valuable certifications while building confidence, skills, and community. A perfect blend of learning and adventure!
First Aid Training at Woburn CI
Woburn CI SHSM students have multiple opportunities throughout the year to complete their Standard First Aid & CPR certification right at school. These hands-on sessions are led by certified instructors and provide essential life-saving skills—making it easy and accessible for students to meet SHSM requirements without leaving the school.
Woburn DECA – Empowering Future Business Leaders through SHSM
Woburn DECA continues to shine on the global stage, with members achieving top 10 international rankings and earning the prestigious DECA Glass at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Florida. This incredible accomplishment reflects the hard work, professionalism, and entrepreneurial spirit fostered within our DECA chapter.
As Woburn launches its new Business SHSM this school year, DECA will be a key pillar in supporting students through experiential learning, competitive events, and leadership development. With guidance from dedicated teacher advisors and a strong executive team, DECA provides students with the skills, confidence, and global perspective needed to thrive in the world of business.
SHSM in action: Team 188 Woburn Robotics
Congratulations to Team 188 Woburn Robotics for proudly representing Ontario at the FIRST FRC Robotics World Championships in Houston, Texas! After an outstanding performance in the qualification rounds, Team 188 ranked 14th out of 75 teams, earned a spot in a playoff alliance, and competed in three exciting playoff matches.
This achievement reflects the dedication, innovation, and teamwork of our SHSM students, supported by passionate mentors, teacher supervisors, and the broader Woburn community. Opportunities like these are a cornerstone of Woburn’s SHSM program, offering students real-world experiences in STEM, leadership, and global collaboration.
We are incredibly proud of Team 188’s accomplishments and the continued commitment of Woburn to empowering SHSM students through hands-on learning and high-impact opportunities.
Woburn HOSA - Advancing Health Schience Pathways through SHSM
Woburn Mock Trial – Building Legal Skills and Advocacy through SHSM
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