To find out more about your secondary school, click on the corresponding link:

Secondary School Graduation Requirements

 

Some other considerations to help students focus on their interests and strengths and to better prepare them for graduation and beyond:

 

Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM’s)

An SHSM is a specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector that matches their skills and interests while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. The program assists students in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. 

Pursuing an SHSM helps students to: 

  • Customize their education to suit their interests and talents and make informed decisions about their future
  • Develop specialized knowledge and skills and work habits
  • Earn credits that postsecondary educational institutions and the specific sector recognize
  • Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
  • Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals/plans change

 

An SHSM is not a magnet program – therefore students are not permitted to attend an out-of-boundary school for them. Students may register for an SHSM at their home secondary school beginning in grade 11.

To complete the program, students will need to:

  • Complete a specific bundle of 8-10 courses in the selected field
  • Earn specific industry certifications (including first aid and CPR)
  • participate in cooperative education placements to gain related work skills

Currently, the WRDSB offers the following SHSM sector programs. 

Additional Information:

 

Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education gives students a chance to earn credits while gaining workplace

experience. The Co-operative Education program involves both a classroom component and a work placement component. It can be beneficial for students heading to university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace who want to:

  • “Test-drive” career options
  • Experience hands-on learning
  • Develop skills and gain work experience to help build a resume

Additional Information:

 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

Additional Information:

 

Dual Credit Programs:

Secondary students can take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards completion of the OSSD and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Dual credit programs help students increase their awareness of the college and apprenticeship pathways available to them.

Additional Information: