Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

Agricultural and Veterinary Studies

This program utilizes experiential opportunities, including co-op placements, to promote student learning in animal science, crop science, wellness & healthy living, farming practices, and participation in the local agricultural and veterinary community. The program focus includes career exploration in areas such as farming, veterinary technology, animal science, plant science, food, equine studies, and the environment.

What Classes Will I Take?

• Four focus credits related to Agriculture and Veterinary Studies
  • Environmental Science
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Food & Nutritional Science
  • Environment & Resource Management
  • Construction
  • Transportation Technology
• 1 Grade 11 English
• 1 Grade 11 Math
• 1 supporting credit (Biology, Chemistry, Marketing, Accounting, Environmental Science) or 1 co-op credit related to agriculture
• 2 Co-operative Education credits

  Placements should be completed with a company/opportunity close to the student's home in order to attend daily.

Courses can be taken at the University (U), University/College (M), College (C), or Workplace (E) level.

Potential Co-op Hosts

• McCarthur's Farms – Cash crop farm
• Fallbrook Farm – Horse trail ride centre
• Blooms Away – Florist
• Whole Circle Farm – Biodynamic organic farm
• SEMEX – Livestock genetics company
• Strongs – Horse training facility
• Ideal Training Centre – Horse training facility
• Premiere Equipment – John Deere Dealership
• Bilt Canada – Construction company
• Northfield Stables – Horse boarding facility
• Minshalls – Horse breeding facility
• Milton Equine Hospital – Referral hospital for horses
• Greenhawk – Tack store

Who Should Take This SHSM?

This program is ideal for anyone with an interest in working with animals and the environment. Agriculture & Veterinary Studies is a broad field where students can tailor their learning to fit their interests and potential career paths. Students will participate in hands-on experiential learning, connect with people working in the sector, and explore career options while gaining valuable experience.

There is strong demand for jobs in the Agriculture industry, and almost everything is offered at no cost to students (minor exceptions may apply).

Transportation to Acton SHSM Programs

Students attending Northern HDSB schools (Milton, Georgetown, Acton) are eligible to attend SHSM programming at any Northern school. Students can remain in their home school for SHSM-connected classes and will join their SHSM cohort on experiential learning days. Transportation to SHSM events will be provided on those days.

For more information, please see the HDSB Transportation Policy.

Experiential Learning and Certifications

• Large Animal Handling
• Small Animal First Aid
• Blacksmithing
• Apiculture Awareness
• Leadership Skills Course
• Chainsaw Safety Course

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

Information & Communications Technology (ICT) is an essential part of many industries, advancing efficiency, innovation, online access, creativity, marketing, and communication. ICT includes both hardware and information technology skills, as well as creative, communications, and graphic arts expertise. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in ICT gives students an opportunity to specialize, gain qualifications, and plan a career pathway in the ICT sector.

Acton District School offers the ICT program, with a focus on photography and associated careers, as well as exposure to video, design, and other ICT technologies. Students gain certifications and experience to prepare them for postsecondary studies and the workforce.

What Classes Will I Take?

• Four ICT-related credits
  • Communications Technology (TGJ4M)
  • Information/Consumer Design (AWE4M)
  • Technological Design (TDJ4M)
  • Photography (TGP4M)
• 1 Grade 12 English
• 1 Grade 11/12 Art, Science, or Business Studies credit
• 2 Co-operative Education credits

Courses can be taken at the University (U), University/College (M), College (C), or Workplace (E) level.

Who Should Take This SHSM?

This program is ideal for students interested in photography and learning new technologies. Students will participate in hands-on experiential learning, connect with industry professionals, and explore a variety of technology mediums.

Almost everything is offered at no cost to students (minor exceptions may apply).

Transportation to Acton SHSM Programs

Students attending Northern HDSB schools (Milton, Georgetown, Acton) are eligible to attend SHSM programming at any Northern school. Students can remain in their home school for SHSM-connected classes and will join their SHSM cohort on experiential learning days. Transportation to SHSM events will be provided on those days.

For more information, please see the HDSB Transportation Policy.

Field Trips

• Toronto Metropolitan University – Learn about post-secondary options in the ICT field, meet students and professors, and explore the campus.
• Ripley's Aquarium – Gain wildlife photography experience.
• Kensington Market – Explore photojournalism while documenting the busy historic market.
• Cactus Sewing Studio – Learn about costume creation for Film and Television.
• Forensic Photography – Work with Officer Kris David on a simulated crime scene to learn evidence gathering from a forensic photography perspective.