Visual Arts SHSM Logo. Courtesy of stjoesvisualart.com
A pathway for the dreamers, the visionaries, the creators, and the doers, the Visual Arts & Media Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program at St. Joe’s provides an artistically unique learning experience to students, both inside and outside of the classroom.
SHSM programs are designed to allow students to streamline their education down a particular pathway that interests them. The Visual Arts & Media SHSM is a unique program at St. Joe’s that all senior students are eligible to participate in. The program is not limited to just the visual arts, as the name may imply. Photographers, architects, graphic designers, and programmers alike may also choose SHSM courses that cater to their interests, such as Tech Design. Upon completion of the program, students receive a red seal on their diploma at graduation, signifying their distinction in the specialized field.
Specialist High Skills Major programs require students to take specific courses that are a part of their program, as a complement to the compulsory courses required by the WECDSB. The course selection is extensive, allowing students to customize their education while maximizing the benefits of the specialized programs. To earn the Visual Arts SHSM distinction on their diploma, students must take:
Two grade 11 visual arts courses;
Two grade 12 visual arts courses;
One senior social science or business course;
One senior English course;
A 2 credit co-op
A detailed list of courses included in the Visual Arts & Media program is available in the guidance office.
In a world that is becoming increasingly competitive to find jobs, the specialized arts program gives students an advantage over their peers. St. Joseph’s Visual Arts department head, Mrs. Owchar, explains that the advantage of the SHSM is that it “allows [students] to work with industry standard software and provides them with opportunities for certifications that they wouldn't get elsewhere.” Certifications include training in Standard First Aid and CPR, WHMIS, digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, as well as silk screening, to name a few. Another perk of the program is the various art-related field trips that occur throughout the year. The annual trip to the D.I.A. is always a favourite amongst students, where they are given the day to explore the art history in the museum. This past November, senior arts students travelled to Toronto to explore careers in creative fields and visit the Art Gallery of Ontario. The SHSM program encourages experiential learning and leads students to learning opportunities wherever possible.
SHSM students at the D.I.A. Photo by Sabrina S.
Students in grade 9 and 10 who are interested in joining SHSM should see their guidance counsellor about enrolling in the proper courses for the following years. Also, it is not too late for students in grade 11 to join the program. Seniors should see Mrs. Owchar or the guidance office to verify that they are taking the required courses in order to obtain their SHSM distinction.
In addition to the wonderful Visual Arts program, St. Joseph’s High School offers three other SHSM programs for students interested in business, construction, and health and wellness industries. For questions or more information about the Visual Arts SHSM, visit Mrs. Owchar in Room 165 or see a guidance counsellor.