DIG IT! Discovering Innovative Green Industry Techniques

Regional Horticulture SHSM

 The DSBN offers grade 11 and 12 students throughout the Board the opportunity to participate in an innovative SHSM Regional Horticulture Program, called “DIG IT!” – Discovering Innovative Green Industry Techniques.  Students will attend for a full day for one semester, of Green Industry/Horticulture classes at the SHSM Regional Centre.

 Through this exciting program students will be introduced to and involved with:

• Aquaponics;
• Aeroponics;
• Vermaculture;
• Locally Grown and Farm to Table practices;
• The development of a Community Garden Program;
• An Experimental Greenhouse.

SHSM Regional Horticulture students will have the advantage of working in partnership with the Niagara Parks Commission, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture, Niagara Golf courses, the Canadian Wildlife Federation and other community partners.

To apply for this innovative program please complete the application along with your Guidance teacher.

Set Yourself Apart

With an SHSM under your belt, you're not just another student - you're a specialist. Employers are on the lookout for the skills and knowledge you'll possess, making you a standout candidate in a competitive job market.

Careers Opportunities

Pathways for the SHSM

Exploration (Grade 9 and 10)

The following courses are recommended if you are considering enrolling in SHSM - Horticulture and Landscaping:

• Exploring Technologies (TIJ 1O): This Grade 9 course is recommended for all students following SHSM pathways that have a technological education focus. The course provides students with opportunities to explore a variety of technologies, including agriculture technology, by engaging in activities related to them.
• Career Studies (GLC 2O) and Discovering the Workplace (GLD 2O): 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.
• Green Industries: This course is recommended for any Grade 10 student who is considering enrolling in an SHSM–Agriculture program with a focus on crop science.

Specialization (Grade 11 and 12)

To earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with an SHSM, students must complete the five required components.

First steps: 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.

Helpful tips: 

• Pursuing an apprenticeship? The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows them to kickstart their journey while working towards their OSSD. 
• Attending University? Students on the university pathway advised to complete the required cooperative education credits in Grade 11, ensuring flexibility in their Grade 12 schedules. 
• Technological education courses may be available as single-credit or multiple-credit options. Speak to your guidance counsellor or teacher for more information.

Required Components for SHSM 

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

• Four major credits

• Three other required credits from the Ontario curriculum. The three credits include:

• one in English
• one in Mathematics
• one in Science or Business 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 sector specific cooperative education credits

2.     Certifications and training experiences

Three (3) compulsory:

• CPR Level C – includes automated external defibrillation (AED)
• Standard First Aid
• Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 

Three (3) electives

For a full list of electives available at your school, please speak with a guidance counsellor or technological teacher. 

3.     Experiential Learning and Career Exploration Activities

Experiential learning and career exploration activities give students opportunities to explore, observe, participate in, and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers. These activities also enable students enrolled in the SHSM to find out about the opportunities available in careers that interest them. These opportunities might include:

• a day-long observation of a skilled tradesperson in the agriculture sector (job shadowing)
• a one- or two-week work experience with a member of an industry association or a professional in the sector (work experience)
• attendance at a trade show, job fair, conference or another unique experience

4.     Reach Ahead Experiences

Reach Ahead experiences are learning experiences connected with the student’s postsecondary pathway in their selected sector. Students are provided one or more reach ahead experiences – opportunities to take the next steps along their chosen pathway. Some examples can include:

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.