Confederation Secondary School launches ICT Specialist High Skills Major

Confederation Secondary School students Zachary Craig, Grade 11, and Courtnay Gibson, Grade 12, work on video productions in Studio C. Gaining hands-on experience is an important component of the new Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) program now being offered at Confederation Secondary School. Students are focusing their learning on this economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Lights. Camera. Action. Industry leaders in film and education converged at Confederation Secondary School on Thursday, March 28, 2013 for the official launch of the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) in Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Students are focusing their learning on this economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

“Today’s rapidly evolving changes in technology offer exciting career opportunities for young people,” said Principal Pablo Gil-Alfau. “The Information and Communications Technology sector continues to transform our economy and everyday life.” He added: “Students are being exposed to media broadcasting and film, which is a growing sector locally as more and more productions are taking place in Sudbury and surrounding areas.”

Partnerships with postsecondary institutions and the film industry in Northern Ontario are enabling students to gain skills and knowledge in the field and prepare for further education, training or employment. Students are benefiting from hands-on experience through Co-operative Education placements and outreach activities, which are an important component of SHSM programs.

At the launch, representatives from Cambrian College and Loyalist College spoke to students about postsecondary opportunities in media arts. Representatives from industry included David Anselmo of Northern Ontario Film Studios on making movies in the North; Mathieu Seguin of Motion Arc Studios on being on set and working in the corporate environment; Jason Jallet of Nortario Films and Laurentian University / Thorneloe University on what the industry looks like in Sudbury and choosing a path to media; and Peter Mihaichuk, Production Designer, on working in the industry.

“We are fortunate to have a vibrant film industry in Northern Ontario to share their expertise with us,” said Principal Gil-Alfau. “When students make the connection between the classroom and the world of work, learning becomes relevant. Students can see themselves in these careers. This inspires them and opens doors for their future.”

As part of the SHSM, Confederation Secondary School received a $67,000 grant from the State Farm Youth Advisory Board to introduce a “Students in Media” project. The funds were used to purchase video equipment to create a functional Internet based television station at Confederation Secondary School and to establish a state-of-the-art recording space called “Studio C”.

“We are most grateful to the State Farm Youth Advisory Board for having selected our school,” said Principal Gil-Alfau. “Our new SHSM in Information and Communications Technology has been enhanced as a result of these funds. Our students are benefiting from a dynamic and authentic learning experience on a daily basis.”

Students are broadcasting live high school sporting events, community events and school functions. Students are also creating newscasts, a television series and documentaries. Curriculum expectations from several courses have been integrated into video production. The school is streaming content at http://confed.rainbowschools.ca. (Follow the ConfedTV link.)

"I’ve learned a great deal about media arts throughout the past year.  In short, I can now create a professional video with professional audio which I couldn’t do a year ago,” said SHSM student Trevor Liinamaa. “I am now considering a career in media but I can’t decide which field I want to enter because they all seem exciting."

"I’ve worked as a crew member of Evolutionary over the past few years, so I have a fair bit of experience with setting up and trouble shooting audio equipment.  I’ve also worked to help produce a number of videos at the school,” said SHSM student Drew Glenn-Robinson. “I have decided to go to Cambrian next year to continue this type of work, where I will be in the theatre arts technical production program. I feel that I will be better prepared, thanks to the media program at Confederation."

Rainbow District School Board offers SHSM programs in nine sectors – Arts and Culture, Business, Construction, Energy, Environment, Health and Wellness, Information and Communications Technology, Manufacturing, and Mining. Each SHSM is a bundle of 8 to 10 courses in the selected field. Students learn on the job and can earn valuable industry certifications. For more information about SHSM programs, visit rainbowschools.ca.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705.674.3171, ext. 7217.