APPLICATION PACKAGE
2016
Specialist High Skills Major
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) are Ministry approved programs in an area of specialization. These
ministry identified sectors support the success of all students, regardless of destination. Every SHSM must
include the following five components:
1. A package of 8-10 required credits (earned in Grade 11 and 12 courses) that constitute a pathway to one
of four possible destinations: apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace and including
completion of Contextualized Learning Activities (CLAs).
The package must include:
 Four major credits - for courses that provide knowledge and skills closely related to the particular
sector of specialization, which are specified in each of the frameworks.
 Three or four additional credits for courses in English and other relevant disciplines (e.g., science,
mathematics, or business studies), as specified in each of the frameworks, which include units of
study that are customized to the particular sector (CLAs).
 Two cooperative education credits within a sector-related field (Please note that a separate
application will have to be submitted for your Cooperative Education placement).
2. Sector recognized certifications and or training courses.
 Four are compulsory for all SHSM (WHMIS, CPR-C, AED, Standard First Aid)
 Three are chosen from a selection of options
3. Experiential learning through job shadowing, work experience, and a minimum of 2 credits earned through
cooperative education.
4. Use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) to document demonstration of essential skills and work habits
required in the sector of choice. The OSP is completed through the co-op placement.
5. "Reach ahead" opportunities, which allow students to experience learning in their intended postsecondary destination and which can range from a day of attendance at a college, a university, a workplace
experience or to the completion of a dual credit.
WHY A SHSM?
No matter which path you follow after high school, you will have a better idea of your direction and future
career choice when graduating with a SHSM Red Seal.
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Understand how and why your classes apply to your future career
Obtain training and certifications from experienced industry staff
Learn on the job skills during your co-op placement
Gain experience in your field of interest
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How do I register for a SHSM?
Take this package home today and discuss this unique option with your parents. Spaces are limited, so hand in
completed packages to Ms. Compagnon ASAP so as to not be disappointed. When selecting your courses for next year,
keep the required SHSM choices, as well as you destination pathway in mind. If you need assistance, make an
appointment to see Ms. Compagnon as soon as possible.
2. How much will it cost me to be a part of one of the Specialist High Skills Majors at Loyola?
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. All students registered as SHSM students are funded by the Ministry of Education. All
certifications are free. All training is free.
3. What is a CLA?
A CLA is a Contextualized Learning Activity. In addition to the four major credits, each SHSM student must complete
two, three or four other required credits from the Ontario curriculum. For each of these other required credits, the
teachers of these courses incorporate a minimum of six hours of learning that contextualizes the subjects’ curriculum
expectations to the SHSM sector. This benefits the student because curriculum expectations are met through sectorspecific content, thus making the course content authentic, relevant, and enable students to connect their learning to
their SHSM
4. Can I register to be a SHSM student even if I am doubtful that I will complete all the required components?
Yes, if you are interested in a possible career related to a SHSM sector, you can register for that SHSM. As dictated by
the Ministry, should you not register for a coop placement over the two years of the SHSM program, you will be
removed from the program leading into grade 12. You will also receive a summary of all your completed SHSM
components when you graduate.
5. What is the difference between experiential learning and a Reach Ahead activity?
The Reach Ahead activity must be related to your destination after high school. Experiential learning can be related to
any of the four destinations.
6. Can I return for an additional term and complete my SHSM after I graduate?
Yes, you can complete your SHSM any time after you graduate. Upon completion of the required components, you will
receive an official SHSM summary sheet showing that you completed the SHSM, but you will not receive the Red Seal on
your diploma.
7. Will earning a SHSM help me get into university?
At this point, universities do not solely consider the SHSM for admissions. BUT...the SHSM does provide a definite
advantage for students going on to post-secondary studies when a profile is required as part of the admission process.
The SHSM qualification and associated training and certifications provide a distinct advantage to students when applying
for summer employment or Co-op placements. These qualifications add to a student's portfolio when going through job
interviews.
8. I am a university-bound student who needs specific courses. How can I fit a Co-op course in my timetable?
If fitting co-op into the school year poses challenges to your schedule, you can take summer. The DPCDSB offers 2 credit
summer school strictly for students in SHSMs throughout the board. There is also an option of doing part of your
placement in Haiti.
APPLICATION PACKAGE
Please ensure that you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) have completed all of the outlined tasks before submitting
your application. Incomplete packages will not be evaluated.
 SHSM Course Chart for Grade 11 and Grade 12 reviewed and understood
 I have checked my credit counselling summary and I will meet all OSSD requirements by the end of Grade 12
 I understand that I will not receive a SHSM red seal on my diploma if I do not meet ALL of the SHSM
requirements
 I understand that I must complete at least 2 credits of Co-op in Grade 11 or Grade 12, otherwise I will be
removed from the program
 I have consulted with my Guidance Counsellor, SHSM Lead and/or SHSM teachers where necessary
CANDIDATE INFORMATION
Name: _________________________________________
Date of Birth: ____________________________
Destination Pathway (check one):
o University
o College
o Workplace
o Apprenticeship
SHSM Focus (check one):
o Sport Management
o Sport Performance
APPLICANT QUESTIONS
1. Why do you want to be in a Specialist High Skills Major program? Please be specific to your area of interest.
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2. What makes you a good candidate for the Specialist High Skills Major program?
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TEACHER REFERENCES:
To complete this section of the application, you must secure references from two current Loyola C.S.S. teachers who can
attest to your ability to commit to the SHSM, complete the program requirements and carry yourself as an ambassador
to the program.
Teacher Reference #1
Name: ______________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? _______________
Relationship to the Student: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Signature of Endorsement: _______________________________________________
Teacher Reference #2
Name: ______________________________________ How long have you known the candidate? _______________
Relationship to the Student: ______________________________________________________________________
Teacher’s Signature of Endorsement: _______________________________________________
STUDENT AGREEMENT
I hereby agree to the participation of the above-named student in the Sport SHSM program at Loyola C.S.S. I have
reviewed the SHSM Application Checklist and am aware of all program requirements. I fully understand that the SHSM
program is a two year commitment and neglecting to complete any of the requirements will not result in a Red Seal on
my OSSD and possible removal from the program. After reviewing this package with my parent(s)/guardian(s), I agree to
make this commitment.
Candidate’s Signature __________________________________
Date _________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________
Date _________________________________
Office Use Only
Date of Submission: _______________________________
Package Completed in Full: Y N
Checked References: Y N
Consulted with SHSM Team: Y N
IEP: Y N
Attendance Report Checked: Y N
Credit Counselling Summary Checked: Y N
Approval: Y N
Date: _________________________
Flagged in Trillium: Y N
Counsellor’s Signature ____________________
Application Form for Specialist High Skills Major
Sport Performance or Sport Management Focus
Name______________________________ Current Grade ______Date___________________
Destination Pathway (check one):
University
College
Workplace
Apprenticeship
COURSE SELECTION CHART
Keep your destination pathway in mind when making your course selections. Please identify
the courses that you will be selecting for next year checking off the appropriate course
codes. If going into grade 11, you will meet with your counsellor next year before selecting
your grade 12 courses. If you are planning on applying to university, you will need U or M
credits to apply. Please make certain to see Ms. Compagnon if you require assistance.
Grade 11
Major Credits
You must take a
combined total of 4
major credits by
graduation
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PAF3O
PAL3O
PAR3O
PPL3O
PPZ3O
HSP3C
HSP3U
SBI3C
SBI3U
SCH3U
SPH3U
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MCR3U
MCF3M
MBF3C
MEL3E
English Credits
(Pick 1)
Math Credits
(Pick 1)
Grade 12
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PAF4O
PAL4O
PPL4O
PSK4U
HFA4C
HFA4U
HHG4M
SBI4U
SCH4U
SPH4U
SCH4C
SPH4C
ENG4U
ENG4C
ENG4E
Other Credit
 HSP3C
 HSP3U
 HPC30
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HHG4M
HFA4U
HFA4C
HIP40
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BAT4M
BBB4M
BOH4M
CLN4U
Sport Performance
Focus
Pick a minimum of 1
over the two years
Other Credit
Sports Management
Focus
Pick a minimum of 1
over the two years
BAF3M
BTA30
BMI3C
CLU3M
Note: The same course cannot not be counted twice to
fulfill SHSM requirements. Either the course counts once
for a “major” credit or once for an “other” credit.
Co-op Credits
 2, 3 or 4 Credit Co-op
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE A MINIMUM OF
A 2 CREDIT COOP COMPLETED BY GRADE 12 OR
HAVE A MINIMUM 2 CREDIT COOP SCHEDULED
INTO THEIR TIMETABLE IN THEIR GRADE 12 YEAR,
WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REMOVED AS A
FLAGGED SHSM PARTICIPANT AND WILL BE
INELIGIBLE TO GRADUATE WITH THE RED SEAL
DESIGNATION. THIS STIPULATION HAS BEEN
DICTATED BY THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.