The SHSM–Arts and Culture enables students to build a foundation of sector-focused knowledge and skills before graduating and entering apprenticeship training, college, university, or an entry-level position in the workplace. Where local circumstances allow, boards may elect to offer one or more variants of the SHSM in a given sector, each with a particular area of focus. This SHSM may be designed to have a particular focus – for example, on dance, dramatic arts management or technical production. This focus is achieved through the selection of the four major credits in the bundle.

Required Components for the SHSM–Arts and Culture

The SHSM–Arts and Culture has the following five required components:

1. A bundle of eight Grade 11 and Grade 12 credits

These credits make up the bundle:

  • four arts and culture major credits that provide sector-specific knowledge and skills. The four courses must include at least one Grade 11 and one Grade 12 credit, and may include one cooperative education credit related to the sector. (This cooperative education credit would be additional to the two that are required in the bundle; see below);
  • two other required credits from the Ontario curriculum. Schools may commit to including a contextualized learning activity (CLA) for the arts and culture sector in each of the two credits. In each credit, some of the course expectations are then met through the CLA. (Schools that do not formally commit to including CLAs are still free to offer them in one or more of the credits.) The two credits include:
    • one in Englishfootnote 1;
    • one in business studies or Canadian and world studies (or a cooperative education credit related to the sector, which would be additional to the two cooperative education credits required in the bundle; see below);
  • two cooperative education credits that provide authentic learning experiences in a workplace setting, enabling students to refine, extend, apply, and practise knowledge and skills outlined in the cooperative education curriculum as well as sector-specific knowledge and skills.


Credits
Apprenticeship Training
Grades 11–12
College
Grades 11–12
University
Grades 11–12
Workplace
Grades 11–12
Major Credits
One credit may be substituted with a cooperative education credit (additional to the 2 required co-op credits)
4
Including at least
one Gr. 11 and
one Gr. 12 credit
4
Including at least
one Gr. 11 and
one Gr. 12 credit
4
Including at least
one Gr. 11 and
one Gr. 12 credit
4
Including at least
one Gr. 11 and
one Gr. 12 credit
English may include a CLA1111
Business Studies or Canadian and
World Studies

may include a CLA
May be substituted with 1 cooperative education credit (additional to the 2 required co-op credits)
1111
Cooperative Education2222
Total number of credits8888

Note: Multiple credits in the Ontario technological education curriculum allow additional instructional time for the practice and refinement of skills needed to develop student performance to the levels required for certification, entry into apprenticeship programs, or participation in school–work transition programs (see The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Technological Education, 2009, page 17).

2. Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs

This SHSM sector requires students to complete a specified number of compulsory and elective sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses/programs, as indicated in the following table. NOTE: Where an item in the table is capitalized, it is the proper name of the specific certification or training course/program that is appropriate for the SHSM. Where an item is lowercased, it is the name of an area, type, or category of training for which specific certifications or training courses/programs should be selected by the school or board. The requirements are summarized in the table below.

Three (3) compulsory

  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Level C – includes automated external defibrillation (AED)
  • Standard First Aid
  • Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) – generic (i.e., not site-specific) instruction

Three (3) electives from the list below

  • advanced training in a technique (e.g., figure drawing, conducting, sewing)
  • advanced training in an art form (e.g., mime, tapdance, improvisation)
  • anti-oppression and allyship training
  • basic electrical safety
  • curatorial techniques
  • elevated work platforms
  • event coordination
  • fall protection
  • framing and matting
  • health and safety – basic
  • instructor certification
  • ladder safety training
  • lighting and sound equipment maintenance
  • musical instrument repair
  • project management
  • pyrotechnics
  • sector-specific software 1 (e.g., animation, graphic arts)
  • stage combat
  • Working at Heights
  • advanced training in a technology (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting, Serato)
  • advanced training in art therapy
  • audition preparation
  • Beauty Specialist Certification Program – three-part course
  • customer service
  • first aid/CPR/AED awareness
  • game design
  • infection control
  • interactive art forms
  • leadership skills
  • makeup/cosmetology
  • portfolio development
  • proposal/grant writing
  • recording equipment
  • sector-specific software 2 (e.g., photography)
  • technical staging
  • wrapping and taping for performance and injury

3. Experiential learning and career exploration activities

Experiential learning and career exploration opportunities relevant to the sector might include the following:

  • one-on-one observation of a cooperative education student at a placement in the arts and culture sector (an example of job twinning)
  • a day-long observation of an artist (an example of job shadowing)
  • a one- or two-week work experience with a member of an industry association or a professional in the sector (an example of work experience)
  • participation in a local, provincial, or national competition focused on one of the arts
  • attendance at a sector trade show, conference, symposium, or job fair
  • a tour of a local theatre, museum, studio, or art gallery

4. Reach ahead experiences

Students are provided one or more reach ahead experiences – opportunities to take the next steps along their chosen pathway – as shown in the following examples:

  • Apprenticeship: visiting an approved apprenticeship delivery agent in the sector
  • College: interviewing a college student enrolled in a sector-specific program
  • University: observing a university class in a sector-related program
  • Workplace: interviewing an employee in the sector

5. Sector-partnered experiences (SPEs)

Students engage with a sector partner and apply skills to gain insight into the relationship between this sector and ICE (innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship), coding, and/or mathematical literacy.

Pathways for the SHSM–Arts and Culture

See the table illustrating the four pathways and required credits leading to completion of this SHSM.

Awareness building (Grades 7 and 8)

See Section B3.4 for information on building awareness of SHSM programs among students in Grades 7 and 8.

Exploration (Grades 9 and 10)

See Section B3.4 for information on providing Grade 9 and 10 students with opportunities for exploration of SHSM programs. In addition, students considering this SHSM can be encouraged to enrol in the following courses to become better informed about careers and postsecondary options in the sector:

  • A Grade 9 arts course or Exploring Technologies: These courses are recommended because they allow students to develop skills and acquire knowledge in a particular area of arts and culture and to benefit from doing so at an early age.
  • Career Studies (compulsory) and Discovering the Workplace: Some of the expectations in these Grade 10 courses provide opportunities for students to explore occupations and other postsecondary options in the sector and to participate in experiential learning activities.
  • A Grade 10 course in the arts or technological education: These courses are recommended for students considering enrolling in an SHSM–Arts and Culture program. These courses provide students with opportunities to further explore the area of focus being considered and develop their skills, and to gain a better understanding of the program.
  • Schools and boards can also provide opportunities for students to explore occupations in the sector through experiential learning. These experiences could include job shadowing, visiting art galleries, and participating in the Ontario Arts Council's Artist in Education workshops.

Specialization (Grades 11 and 12)

Students acquire the sector-specific knowledge and technical skills required to earn their Ontario Secondary Diploma (OSSD) with an SHSM–Arts and Culture by completing its five required components. Students and their parents/guardians are encouraged to consult with guidance counsellors and teachers to select the courses that will enable students to pursue their goals.

Some students may need to earn some of the required credits for the SHSM in arts and culture in the summer or evening, or through e-learning. Co-op placements that focus on cultural activities are often scheduled at those times.

Students in Grade 12 may want to earn the arts and culture major credits required in that grade in the first half of the school year so that they are better prepared for college and university portfolio interviews and performance auditions, which are usually held in January and February. For the same reason, students may also want to complete as many sector-recognized certifications and training courses/programs as they can in the first half of the year. Wherever possible, students should include documentation such as a certificate or proof of completion of these certifications and training courses/programs in their admissions portfolio or résumé.

Students pursuing an apprenticeship pathway should consider the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which enables them to start an apprenticeship while earning their OSSD.

Students pursuing a university pathway are advised to complete their required cooperative education credits in Grade 11, in order to allow room in their timetables in Grade 12 for credits needed to meet university entrance requirements.

When helping students plan their SHSMs, particularly with respect to the selection of courses to fulfil the requirement for credits in the major, teachers should bear in mind that technological education courses can be offered as single-credit or multiple-credit courses.

Program Pathways: SHSM–Arts and Culture

This template shows program requirements for the SHSM–Arts and Culture in Grades 11 and 12, along with some of the additional credits needed for an OSSD. It is provided to help guide students in choosing the credits they need to meet the SHSM requirements in the pathway of their choice. Students should always review their pathways plan with their parents/guardians and their teachers to ensure that they have all the credits they need to graduate with an SHSM–Arts and Culture.

  • Shaded boxes represent required credits in the bundle for the SHSM–Arts and Culture.
  • (C) represents a compulsory credit for the OSSD.
  • The SHSM bundle of credits must include two cooperative education credits, but may include a maximum of four. The possible options are noted below, and explained fully in Section A1.2 of this guide.
Apprenticeship Training Pathway
Specialization
Grades 11–12
College Pathway
Specialization
Grades 11–12
University Pathway
Specialization
Grades 11–12
Workplace Pathway
Specialization
Grades 11–12
1 English credit (C)*
(in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
1 English credit (C)*
(in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
1 English credit (C)*
(in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
1 English credit (C)*
(in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
1 business studies* or Canadian and world studies credit* (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted.
1 business studies* or Canadian and world studies credit* (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted.
1 business studies* or Canadian and world studies credit* (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted.
1 business studies* or Canadian and world studies credit* (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted.
4 arts and culture major credits (including a Gr. 11 and a Gr. 12 credit)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted for one of these four credits.
4 arts and culture major credits (including a Gr. 11 and a Gr. 12 credit)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted for one of these four credits.
4 arts and culture major credits (including a Gr. 11 and a Gr. 12 credit)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted for one of these four credits.
4 arts and culture major credits (including a Gr. 11 and a Gr. 12 credit)
A cooperative education credit related to the sector may be substituted for one of these four credits.
2 cooperative education credits related to the sector (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)**
May be used as (C) credits
2 cooperative education credits related to the sector (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)**
May be used as (C) credits
2 cooperative education credits related to the sector (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)**
May be used as (C) credits
2 cooperative education credits related to the sector (in either Gr. 11 or Gr. 12)**
May be used as (C) credits
2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 11)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 11)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 11)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 11)
2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 12)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 12)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 12)2 optional or compulsory credits (Gr. 12)

* A contextualized learning activity (CLA) must be included in the course in schools that have committed to offering CLAs (see "Other Required Credits" in section A1.2). (Note that students must take Grade 11 and Grade 12 English to graduate with an OSSD, but the CLA may be offered in either grade.)

** May be taken the summer before Grade 11

Note: To guide students and teachers in the development of their SHSM program, schools can access the latest approved SHSM course list for each sector through their SHSM board lead.

Occupations in the Arts and Culture Sector

The following table provides examples of occupations in the arts and culture sector, with corresponding National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, sorted according to the type of postsecondary education or training the occupations would normally require.

Apprenticeship Training

  • Artisans and craftspersons 5244
  • Other technical and co-ordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts 5226
  • Painters and decorators 7294

College

  • Actors and comedians 5135
  • Announcers and other broadcasters 5231
  • Artisans and craftspersons 5244
  • Audio and video recording technicians 5225
  • Broadcast technicians 5224
  • Film and video camera operators 5222
  • Graphic arts technicians 5223
  • Graphic designers and illustrators 5241
  • Interior designers and interior decorators 5242
  • Other performers 5232
  • Other technical and coordinating occupations in motion pictures, broadcasting, and the performing arts 5226
  • Photographers 5221
  • Supervisors, textile, fabric, fur and leather products processing and manufacturing production supervisors 9217
  • Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries 5212
  • Theatre, fashion, exhibit, and other creative designers 5243

University

  • Authors and writers 5121
  • Conductors, composers, and arrangers 5132
  • Conservators or curators 5112
  • Dancers 5134
  • Painters, sculptors, and other visual artists 5136
  • Producers, directors, choreographers, and related occupations 5131
  • Professional occupations in advertising, marketing and public relations 1123

Workplace

  • Camera, platemaking and other prepress occupations 9472
  • Desktop publishing operators and related occupations 1423
  • Graphic artists and illustrators 5241
  • Musicians and singers 5133
  • Other performers 5232
  • Photographic and film processors 9474
  • Textile fibre and yarn, hide and pelt processing machine operators and workers 9441
  • Weavers, knitters, and other fabric-making occupations 9442

Note: This information is based on the 2016 NOC. An update to the NOC in 2016 resulted in changes to the codes and titles for some occupations, and in some cases to the occupations included in the group. For more detail, refer to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) web page, Ontario's Labour Market (https://www.ontario.ca/page/labour-market). (Note also that some of the names of occupations listed here reflect common usage in the sector and may differ slightly from those used in the NOC system.)

Postsecondary Programs and Training in the Arts and Culture Sector

The following are examples of programs and training related to careers in the arts and culture sector and the accreditations associated with each.

Apprenticeship Training
Entertainment Industry Power TechnicianCertificate of apprenticeship/certificate of qualification
Gem Setter/GoldsmithCertificate of apprenticeship/certificate of qualification
Native Clothing and Crafts ArtisanCertificate of apprenticeship/certificate of qualification
Painter and DecoratorCertificate of apprenticeship/certificate of qualification
College – Dance
Dance HistoryDiploma
Performance StudiesDiploma
College – Theatre/Drama/Performing Arts
Acting for Film, Television, and TheatreDiploma
Audio Production, Recording, and Engineering TechnologyDiploma
Comedy Writing and PerformanceDiploma
Entertainment BusinessDiploma
Musical TheatreDiploma
Performing Arts AdministrationDiploma
Theatre – Dramatic Arts/PerformanceDiploma
Theatre Production and Technical ProductionDiploma
College – Music
Applied MusicDiploma
Audio Engineering, Recording, ProductionDiploma
Entertainment/Music Business ManagementDiploma
MusicDiploma
Music PerformanceDiploma
Sound DesignDiploma
College – Visual/Media Arts and Design
Advertising Design and Media SalesDiploma
Computer/Digital AnimationDiploma
Digital Video ProductionDiploma
Fashion Arts/Fashion DesignDiploma
Fashion Marketing and MerchandisingDiploma
Fashion/Video Makeup DesignDiploma
Film and Television TechnicianDiploma
Game Development/Multimedia DevelopmentDiploma
Graphic Design – Advertising and Package DesignDiploma
Interior Design/DecoratingDiploma
Internet Graphic DesignDiploma
Radio BroadcastingDiploma
Residential DesignDiploma
Television BroadcastingDiploma
Visual Merchandising ArtsDiploma
Visual, Creative, Design, Digital, and Media ArtsDiploma
University – Dance
Dance StudiesBachelor's degree
Theatre Performance – DanceBachelor's degree
University – Theatre/Drama/Performing Arts
DramaBachelor's degree
Drama and Speech CommunicationBachelor's degree
Drama in Education and CommunityBachelor's degree
Drama/Theatre Arts/Theatre Studies – PerformanceBachelor's degree
Theatre/DramaBachelor's degree
University – Music
MusicBachelor's degree
Music – Administrative StudiesBachelor's degree
Music EducationBachelor's degree
Music History, Culture, Theory, and CompositionBachelor's degree
Music PerformanceBachelor's degree
Music TherapyBachelor's degree
University – Visual/Media Arts and Design
AnimationBachelor's degree
Applied Arts – Interior DesignBachelor's degree
Architectural StudiesBachelor's degree
Art HistoryBachelor's degree
Communication StudiesBachelor's degree
Creative AdvertisingBachelor's degree
Fashion CommunicationBachelor's degree
Fashion DesignBachelor's degree
Film StudiesBachelor's degree
Graphic DesignBachelor's degree
IllustrationBachelor's degree
Image ArtsBachelor's degree
JournalismBachelor's degree
Visual ArtsBachelor's degree
Visual Arts – Computer ScienceBachelor's degree
Visual CultureBachelor's degree

 

Training for the Workplace – Dance
Commercial Dance StudiesCertificate
Dance Performance PreparationCertificate
Dance StudiesCertificate
Expressive ArtsCertificate
Training for the Workplace – Theatre/Drama/Performing Arts
Introduction to Performing Arts CareersCertificate
Performing Arts PreparationCertificate
Training for the Workplace – Music
Applied Music – PreparatoryCertificate
Digital Music DesignCertificate
Music Media FundamentalsCertificate
Training for the Workplace – Visual/Media Arts and Design
Advertising DesignCertificate
Animation and RenderingCertificate
Architectural ModellingCertificate
Art and Design FoundationCertificate
Computer/Digital AnimationCertificate
Computer/Graphic Design/Image ArtsCertificate
Desktop PublishingCertificate
Fundamentals of Interior DesignCertificate
Visual Arts Literacy and FundamentalsCertificate

Footnotes

  • footnote[1] Back to paragraph Note that a compulsory English credit is required in Grade 11 and in Grade 12 for graduation with an OSSD. Schools may determine whether the CLA, if offered, is completed in the Grade 11 or Grade 12 English course.