What is the Specialist High Skills Major?
The SHSM is a Ministry approved program offered to students, which helps students make a successful transition to a variety of post-secondary destinations. It is designed to meet the needs of students who would like to pursue an apprenticeship, college or university program or employment in a specific sector. Students who successfully complete all program components will earn a Red Seal on their OSSD which indicates that the student has focused his/her high school experience on a career path that matches their skills and interests.
What will Students in the Arts and Culture SHSM Study?
* A bundle of eight Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits in which students earn:
* Four Arts and Culture major credits
* One grade 12 English credit
* One credit in either Business or Canadian and World Studies tailored to include units focused on Arts and Culture
* Two cooperative education credits in their chosen sector to gain workplace experience that enables students to refine, extend and practice sector-specific knowledge and skills
* Experiential learning, career exploration and reach ahead activities within the sector
* Certifications and training programs/courses in first aid, CPR level C and WHMIS, Health and Safety and more
* Essential skills and work habits required in the sector
Components of the SHSM
1. CONNECTED LEARNING ACTIVITY (CLA): Over the course of grade 11 and 12, students will complete an assignment that connects various subject areas to the Arts and Culture sector.
2. INDUSTRY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING: CPR Level C, Standard First Aid, WHMIS, Health and Safety Basics, Customer Service, Portfolio Development and more...
3. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING: Students will participate in activities that provide opportunities to explore and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers (e.g., guest speakers, job shadow, participation in a variety of sector-related competitions and shows)
4. REACH AHEAD ACTIVITIES: Students will explore and experience the different post-secondary destinations within the sector (e.g., university and college tours and discussions, student shadows, interviews with faculty members etc.)
Post Secondary Opportunities
Graduates with a 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. Possible careers include:
*Art Critics
*Advertising (Visual Communication)
*Animation
*Art Teacher
*Airbrush Artist
*Art Dealer
*Art Consultant
*Actor/Actress
* Art Director
*Architectural Design
*Architectural Concept Designer
*Cartoonists
*Cake Decorator
*Carpentry Art
*Cinematographer
*Curator
*Commercial Photographer
*Cosmetician
*Costume Design
*Dancer
*Decorator
*Desktop Publishing
*Director
*Disk Jockey
*Engraving
*E book Cover Artist
*Esthetician
*Film or Video Camera Operator
*Fashion Designer
*Fashion Stylist
*Freelance Artist
*Fine Art Photography
*Fine Artist
*Film
*Fashion Illustration
*Footware Design
*Food Art
*Graphic Design
*Goldsmith/Welder
*Graphic Artist
*Game Designer
*Glass Art
*Hairstylist
*Illustrator/ Animator
* Interior Designer
*Industrial Deign
*Jewellery Design
*Marketing Coordinator
*Make up Artist
*Media Arts
*Museum Director
*Musician
*Monogram Artist
*Producer
*Painter
*Painting Restorers
*Print-makers
*Pottery Designer
*Production Assistant
*Radio and Television Arts
*Recording Engineer
*Record Producer
*Set Designer
*Sculptors
*Sketch Artists
*Special Affects Artist
*Song writer
*Tattoo Artist
*Textile Designer
*Theatre Set Designer
*Vocalist
*Videography
*Video Editing
*Web Design
*Wood Carving
*Wedding Photographer
And Many, Many More!
Connections to the Community
DRAMA STUDENTS:
* Sears Ontario Drama Festival, (e.g., front of house, technical direction, stage management, and artistic direction) * Canadian Improvisation Games
* Students also gain access to professional Canadian playwrights through our strong relationship with TheatreBooks
* Participation in Soulpepper Theatre’s ‘Leading Ladies’ after-school program
* workshops and adjudication from professional artists in events hosted by Spotlight Theatre School
TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS:
* WINDENG - Guelph University Wind Turbine Competition
* WSIB workplace safety video competition
* Volvo Construction Challenge
VISUAL ART/FASHION & PHOTOGRAPHY STUDENTS:
* ACES (Arts Committee for Enthusiastic Students) and Mural Committee
* on-location photo shoots in Toronto and Caledon
* photography competitions with Henrys, Nikon and Gallery 44
* Grade 12 Art and Fashion Show
* guest lectures from industry professionals
* International trips
* “Mass Exodus” Ryerson Annual Fashion Show
* the Fourth Year Fashion- Communication and Design’s Portfolio Exhibit
COSMETOLOGY STUDENTS:
* Skills Canada Competition
* Markham Stouffville Hospital (Volunteer Center)
* Local Retirement Homes Beauty and Health Care MUSIC STUDENTS:
* Christmas and Spring Concerts at Markham Theatre
* travel and play internationally
* Parent Night, Arts Night, School Liturgies, Awards Night, Graduation)
* Master Class with a professor from U of T
