Specialized programs

Three pathways to go further in Grades 11 and 12, in French.

Three pathways, one goal

Whether you are aiming for university, college, an apprenticeship or the workplace, GAGE has a program to help you stand out.

International Baccalaureate

Grades 11 and 12

Six subjects, a demanding core and a diploma recognized by universities around the world.

Explore the IB

SHSM Sports

Grades 11 and 12

Focused credits, certifications and a co-op placement to build your future in the world of sport.

Explore SHSM Sports

SHSM ICT

Grades 11 and 12

Focused credits, certifications and a co-op placement in digital technology: programming, networks and more.

Explore SHSM ICT

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A demanding university-preparation program, offered in about 160 countries, that builds critical thinking, curiosity and an open mind.

  • Gr. 11-12the program lasts two years
  • 2014GAGE becomes an IB World School
  • 6subjects studied in depth
  • 45points possible for the diploma

The Diploma Programme

Over two years, you take six subjects: three or four at higher level (HL), in more depth, and the others at standard level (SL). Your work is assessed in class throughout the program, then in written exams in May of Grade 12.

Each subject is graded out of 7, and the core adds up to 3 points, for a possible total of 45. You need at least 24 points, and to pass the core, to earn the IB Diploma, on top of your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The six subject groups

  • Studies in language and literature
  • Language acquisition
  • Individuals and societies
  • Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • The arts

The subjects offered at GAGE can change from year to year. The guidance team can give you the current list.

The core

  • Theory of knowledge (TOK)A course that makes you think about the nature of knowledge: how do we know what we know?
  • Extended essayAn independent research paper of up to 4,000 words on a topic of your choice.
  • Creativity, activity, service (CAS)Creative, physical and community service projects throughout the two years.

The IB is for you if…

  • you love learning and taking on academic challenges;
  • you want to go to university, here or abroad;
  • you are curious and enjoy debating ideas;
  • you can stay organized while juggling several projects.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

An Ontario Ministry of Education program that lets you focus your Grade 11 and 12 studies on a sector that interests you, while earning your OSSD. It is open to every student, whatever their destination: apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace. In French, it is called the MHS.

The five parts of an SHSM

  1. 9 focused creditsGrade 11 and 12 courses tied to the sector, including 2 co-operative education credits.
  2. 6 certificationsCertifications and training recognized by the sector: 3 required and 3 of your choice.
  3. Experiential learningJob shadowing, fairs, competitions: you discover the careers in the sector.
  4. Reach-ahead experienceAt least one: sit in on a college or university class, interview someone who works in the sector…
  5. Sector partner experienceA project with a sector partner, focused on innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

What you get at the end

  • An OSSD with the SHSM sealYour diploma has an embossed seal showing that you completed your major.
  • An SHSM RecordIt lists the five parts you completed: a plus for your admission and job applications.
  • Your SHSM on your transcriptThe name of your major appears on your Ontario Student Transcript.
SHSM Sports

Specialist High Skills Major: Sports

For students who want a career in the world of sport: coaching, officiating, health and fitness, recreation management, sports media and more.

Your 9 credits

  • 4 major credits: courses tied to sport, for example healthy active living or kinesiology.
  • 3 other required credits: French, mathematics, and one credit in business, science or social sciences and humanities.
  • 2 co-operative education credits: a placement in a sport-related workplace.

Required certifications

  • CPR level C and AED
  • Standard first aid
  • WHMIS

Examples of elective certifications

  • Officiating
  • Team coaching
  • Sports nutrition
  • Lifesaving (Bronze Cross)

Examples of careers

  • Coaching
  • Officiating
  • Nutrition and dietetics
  • Sports journalism
  • Recreation management
  • Teaching
SHSM ICT

Specialist High Skills Major: ICT

For students who love information and communications technology: programming, computers and networks, cybersecurity, web design and digital media.

Your 9 credits

  • 4 major credits: courses tied to ICT, for example computer engineering or computer systems technology.
  • 3 other required credits: French, mathematics, and one credit in business studies, science or the arts.
  • 2 co-operative education credits: a placement in an ICT workplace.

Required certifications

  • CPR level C and AED
  • Standard first aid
  • WHMIS

Examples of elective certifications

  • Cisco networking
  • Internet security
  • Project management
  • Copyright and intellectual property

Examples of careers

  • Programming
  • Cybersecurity
  • IT support
  • Networking
  • Web design
  • Digital media

IB or SHSM: how to choose?

Both programs happen in Grades 11 and 12. They lead to different places, but you can do both at the same time.

Comparison of the International Baccalaureate and the Specialist High Skills Major
CriterionInternational BaccalaureateSHSM (Sports or ICT)
Who is it for?Students aiming for university who enjoy academic challenges.Every student, whatever their destination: apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace.
In classSix subjects, three or four of them at higher level, plus the core (TOK, extended essay, CAS).Nine credits tied to one sector, including two co-operative education credits.
Outside classCreativity, activity and service (CAS) projects.A co-op placement, six certifications and activities with people in the field.
AssessmentClasswork and written exams in May of Grade 12.The usual assessments in your courses and completing the five parts.
At the endThe IB Diploma, on top of your OSSD.An OSSD with the SHSM seal and an SHSM Record.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions students and parents ask most often.

Is the IB only for university?

The IB Diploma Programme is designed to prepare students for university. It is recognized by universities across Canada and around the world, and some even grant credit for higher level courses.

Can I take the IB and an SHSM at the same time?

Yes. At GAGE, you can take the IB Diploma Programme and an SHSM (Sports or ICT) at the same time. Talk to the guidance team to plan your Grade 11 and 12 courses.

Is the SHSM only for college?

No. The SHSM is open to every student, whatever their destination after Grade 12: apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace. Your major credits are chosen to fit your pathway.

Does the SHSM add courses to my timetable?

No. The 9 SHSM credits are courses you take in Grades 11 and 12, and they count toward the 30 credits of the OSSD. The SHSM mainly asks you to pick those courses in your sector and to complete the certifications and activities.

How do I sign up?

You choose during course selection for Grade 11. Talk to the guidance team or write to us: we will help you pick the pathway that fits you.

Is there an information night?

Yes. The school holds an information night on the specialized programs, usually later in the school year. The date will be posted on the calendar as soon as it is set.

Questions about our programs?

The guidance team can help you plan your pathway from Grade 9 to Grade 12.

See the courses Contact us