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What is “SHSM”?

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that allows students to gain credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and focus their learning on a specific economic sector at the same time.

The SHSM is a Ministry of Education approved program.

In completing the program, students receive the SHSM seal on their diploma

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What are the benefits of SHSM?

Tailor high school learning to their interests and strengths

Build specialized knowledge and skills

Earn credits recognized by postsecondary schools and employers

Gain sector-recognized certifications and job-ready training

Participate in STEM activities that foster innovation and creativity

Explore and refine career goals to make informed future decisions

Transition smoothly to apprenticeships, college, university, or work

Stay flexible and shift pathways as goals change

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

About M.M. Robinson’s Arts & Culture SHSM.

The Arts and Culture SHSM is designed for all students: those who are passionate about the arts and those who want to build versatile skills that apply to any career. Through hands-on experiences in drama, music, visual arts, photography, and/or cosmetology, students develop creativity, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and confidence (key skills that universities, colleges, and employers consistently value).

This program gives students the chance to explore their artistic interests while also strengthening their post-secondary applications with industry-recognized certifications, experiential learning, and a standout portfolio of accomplishments. Whether a student plans to pursue the arts, business, technology, healthcare, education, or any other field, the SHSM helps them develop the kind of innovative thinking and real-world experience that sets them apart.

Students also learn directly from professional artists across theatre, film, music, art, and photography, gaining insight into creative industries while building skills that open doors in any future pathway.

The Arts and Culture SHSM inspires creativity, strengthens personal growth, and prepares students for success, no matter where their journey leads.

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

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What do you need to complete your

Arts & Culture SHSM?

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

8 Course Bundle

4 Major Arts Credits

1 Canada & World Studies

OR Business OR Humanities

OR FSL (Core or Immersion) Credit

1 English Credit

2 Co-Op Credits

Mandatory Certifications

Standard First Aid & CPR Training

WHMIS Training

Mandatory Experience

ICE Training

Reach Ahead

Experiential Learning

3 Elective Certifications

Participate in 3 (or more) industry-led workshops

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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LET’S LOOK MORE CLOSELY AT THE

8 COURSE BUNDLE YOU NEED

TO COMPLETE

THE ARTS & CULTURE SHSM REQUIREMENTS…

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4 Major Credits

Grade 11 Courses

Grade 12 Courses

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

ADA3M: Drama

ADD3M: Theatre Productions

AMU3M: Instrumental Music

AME3M: Small Ensemble (Guitar, Vocal)

AVI3M: Visual Arts

AWQ3M: Photography

TXJ3E/EA: Cosmetology

ADA4M: Drama

ADD4M: Theatre Productions

AMU4M: Instrumental Music

AME4M: Small Ensemble (Guitar, Vocal)

AVI4M: Visual Arts

AWQ4M: Photography

TXJ4E/EA: Cosmetology

FIF4U: French Immersion

FSF4U: Core French

FEF4U: Extended French

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

Choose 4 Major Credits

Note: One credit may be substituted with a cooperative education credit (additional to the 2 required co-op credits)

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1 Social Science/Business/Humanities/FSL

Grade 11 Courses

Grade 12 Courses

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Canadian & World Studies and Humanities

CGG3O/M: Travel & Tourism

CLU3E/M: Canadian Law

CHW3M: World History

HFC3E/M: Food and Culture

HRT3M: World Religion (FI)

HSP3U: Intro to Anthro, Psych, Soc (ENG/FI)

Business

BDI3C: Entrepreneurship

BMI3C: Marketing

BAF3M: Accounting

Canadian & World Studies and Humanities

CGW4C: World Issues

CLN4C/U: Can. & Inter. Law

CIA4U: Economics

CHY4U: World History

HHS4C/U: Families in Canada

HSB4U: Challenge & Change in Society

Business

BAT4M: Accounting

BBB4M : International Business

BOH4M: Business Leadership

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

Select 1 course in either grade 11 or 12

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ENG3E/C/U: Grade 11 English

ENG4E/C/U: Grade 12 English

OLC3O: Grade 11 Literacy Course

OLC4O: Grade 12 Literacy Course

Enroll in a Co-Op course and secure a placement where you can apply your skills, advance your education, and gain real-world experience in the arts industry.

Examples of Placements:

Art Gallery of Burlington

Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Elementary Schools: Teacher Assistants

Marketing and Social Media Intern

Community Event Planner

Graphic Design Intern

YourTV Halton

Fabric Stores/Sewing or Alteration Services

Hair Salons/ Makeup Services

HDSB Communications & Engagement Dept.

Burlington Symphony Orchestra

Video Production/Editing

….and more

A Co-Op course is a double credit (2 period).. Co-Op Courses are offered:

During the school year,
During the summer,
Or at night school.

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

1 English Credit

English Courses

Co-Op Credit

2 Co-Op Credits

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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LET’S CHAT MORE ABOUT THE

MANDATORY CERTIFICATIONS

YOU NEED TO COMPLETE

THE ARTS & CULTURE SHSM REQUIREMENTS…

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Mandatory Certifications

First Aid and CPR Training

WHMIS Training

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

This training is offered to SHSM students through The Red Cross. The training is organized by/held at M.M. Robinson High School.

Students who have received this training within the last 3 years can be exempted from this training.

This training is provided during your Co-Op Placement.

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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TIME TO CHAT ABOUT THE

MANDATORY EXPERIENCES

YOU NEED TO COMPLETE

THE ARTS & CULTURE SHSM REQUIREMENTS…

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Mandatory Experiences: ICE Training

Innovation Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Training

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Step into the world of professional problem-solving! ICE Training gives students the chance to collaborate with real industry leaders to tackle authentic challenges; developing creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking along the way.

Students work directly with a community or industry partner to design innovative solutions to real problems. It’s hands-on. It’s relevant. It’s a chance to think big.

In the past students have partnered with:

Universal Music to craft strategies to promote a real emerging band.
Vibe 105! to find bold ways to reach and engage new listeners.
Canadian Opera Company to create fresh approaches to attract younger audiences

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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Mandatory Experiences: Reach Ahead

The Reach Ahead certification:

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Covers all pathway options (workplace, apprenticeship, college and university)
Offers a great opportunity to learn about a variety of different post-secondary opportunities
Provides experience learning at different types of training facilities

To receive your Reach Ahead certification consider:

Attending the Post-Secondary Fair offered each year (in October)
Visiting/touring a post-secondary institution

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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Mandatory Experiences: Experiential Learning

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

The Experiential Learning certification:

Connects the classroom to the “Real World”
Provides students the opportunity to participate-reflect-apply
Is an approach to reinforce understanding, improve retention, build connections, and encourage application of learning
Includes field trips, guest speakers, participating in the arts or culture related activities (including extra-curriculars)

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

To receive your Experiential Learning certification consider:

Joining Drama Council, Music Council, The J.O.A’s, Tech Crew, NTS Dramafest, Monday Night Live, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, Choir, Yearbook, Equity Club, GSA (and other extracurricular activities in the arts or culture).
Attending a live performance. In previous years we have gone to Toronto to see Mean Girls, Six: The Musical, Moulin Rouge and Sound of Music!
Attending the art gallery field trip planned each year. In the past we have visited the Art Gallery of Ontario, and The Art Gallery of Hamilton.

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AND LASTLY, LET’S GO OVER THE

3 ELECTIVE CERTIFICATIONS

YOU NEED TO COMPLETE

THE ARTS & CULTURE SHSM REQUIREMENTS…

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3 Elective Certifications

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Participate in 3 (or more) industry-led workshops.

Here are some workshops that were booked in the past for Arts & Culture SHSM students:

Writing Your Own Music
Acting for Film
Voice Acting
Directing
Scenic Art and Painting/ Set Design
Costume Design
SFX Makeup and Hair Design
Stage Combat
Working At Heights
Choreography (i.e. Ballroom Dancing)
…and more

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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Still have questions?

Find more information HERE

Connect with SHSM Lead, Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at

ferronec@hdsb.ca

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

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WANNA JOIN?

Contact Ms. Caitlin Ferrone at ferronec@hdsb.ca

Arts & Culture SHSM at M.M. Robinson High School

Complete Registration & Consent Form

See Ms. Ferrone or guidance to get a form OR see digital copy HERE
Submit to Ms. Ferrone in person for her to sign

Ask one of your arts teachers to complete the Teacher Reference Form.

Note: The Teacher Reference must have taught you in a Grade 9, 10 or 11 Arts Course (i.e. Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Photography, Cosmetology)

Indicate interest on MyBlueprint (Log on to “MyBlueprint” > Select “Regional Programs” > Search “M.M. Robinson High School” > Select “Arts and Culture SHSM” > Select “Indicate Interest”)

After you complete these steps, your application will be reviewed. Ms. Caitlin Ferrone will email you to let you know whether you are being considered for the SHSM this year. Note: If you are not accepted for Grade 11, you may re-apply in Grade 11 for entry in Grade 12.

Coming from another school? If MMR is not your home school, you would have to transfer in your grade 11 and 12 year to complete the SHSM as the SHSM courses run both semesters. If this works for you, go to your Guidance Counselor and they can assist with the transfer.

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