Arts & Culture

SHSM Policy And Implementation Guide - Arts and Culture 

The SHSM – Arts and Culture enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. Where local circumstances allow, boards may elect to offer one or more variants of the SHSM in a given sector, each with a particular area of focus. This SHSM may be designed to have a particular focus – for example, on dance, dramatic arts management or technical production. This focus is achieved through the selection of the four major credits in the bundle. 

Required Certifications for the SHSM – Arts and Culture

Required Courses for the SHSM – Arts and Culture

A bundle of eight Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits

These credits make up the bundle:


Arts & Culture SHSM Ministry Approved Courses (Sept 2022)

Required Experiential Learning and Career Exploration for the SHSM – Arts and Culture

Experiential learning and career exploration opportunities relevant to the sector might include the following:

For more information on Experiential Learning at YCDSB visit: https://ycdsb.link/elycdsb

Required Reach Ahead Experiences for the SHSM – Arts and Culture

Students are provided one or more reach ahead experiences – opportunities to take the next steps along their chosen pathway – as shown in the following examples:


Required Sector-Partnered Experiences for the SHSM – Arts and Culture

All students pursuing an SHSM must complete at least one sector-partnered experience (SPE). SPEs are learning experiences tied to a student's chosen SHSM sector, developed and delivered by sector partners in tandem with teachers. All SPEs focus on one of the following:

The concepts of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship (ICE) are inextricably linked. Innovation is the generation and realization of a new idea in the world; this means that innovation contains within it elements of both creativity and entrepreneurship. Creativity comes into play in the generation of ideas to meet a need in the world, based on a fundamental belief that there is more than one right answer to a given problem. Entrepreneurship is the set of activities aimed at building, scaling and sustaining the new ideas into an organization, whether extending an existing organization or creating a new one.

ICE, coding (computer programming), and mathematical literacy are all areas of knowledge that are key to a wide variety of 21st century careers. An SPE is designed to support students in cultivating the mindset that is needed for success in any of these areas of focus – a mindset that includes proposing ideas and solutions, taking smart risks in a safe environment, studying the results, and applying critical thinking.

Future Career Paths 

According to the Canada Council for the Arts, arts and culture are essential elements in the new global economy; not only for their entertainment value but also for the skills they develop as individuals.  An arts education challenges people to think critically and to solve problems creatively – skills that are now in high demand.

Graduates with an SHSM in Arts and Culture will not only finish with an enhanced resume of experiences but they will also be prepared for careers or post-secondary studies in a variety of arts-focused areas.  A small sample of careers in this field includes: 

Connections to the Community 

Creative Destinations responds to a high level of student interest in the Arts and Culture sector and a wide range of in-school and community-based opportunities to identify and develop God-given gifts. St. Elizabeth has established relationships with many local leaders in the arts community – both individuals and organizations – and has an association with some of the GTA’s most prominent and diverse leaders in the arts including: 

Our partners will host students for numerous events and will also connect St. Elizabeth with local organizations that support arts education. Up to 40 students will take part in a two credit summer co-op experience with one of these partners where they will have an opportunity to explore various careers in the field of arts and culture. Over the course of six weeks, students will:

Dual Credits 

Arts and Culture SHSM students are automatically eligible to enrol in dual high school/college credit courses during their co-op placements. These courses are taught on a college campus. Choosing this option will reap several benefits: 

The courses offered may vary. Find updated Dual Credit information at WWW.YCDSB.CA

Which Schools Offer This Program