Sisler High School – Changing lives & building the next generation of creative leaders through animation
According to a Hanover Research report, the 21st century (soft) skills students need to successfully participate in the global economy of tomorrow include collaboration and teamwork, creativity and imagination, critical thinking and problem-solving. Facing automation, young people can safeguard their careers by leveraging these abilities to become AI-proof and oriented towards high-paying creative industries. Sisler High School recognized this shift and responded with its CREATE program — with animation courses using Toon Boom software as its foundation.
Launched in September 2015 by department head Jamie Leduc, the Sisler IDM program’s goal is to create a well-educated workforce that addresses current and emerging labour-market needs. The global Creative industry is booming — with animation studios around the world hiring constantly.
Leduc developed a holistic program that connects the dots and addresses students’ creative needs across Animation, App and Game, Film and VFX, Digital Design and Sound Design. Many of his students are socioeconomically disadvantaged, with creative-industry careers offering the promise of a brighter future; the base salary of an animator in Canada is $56,000, according to Glassdoor. Sisler’s CREATEprogram has gained governmental and industry recognition, with its animation course acknowledged as an excellence hub by Toon Boom, Vancouver Film School (VFS), New Media Manitoba and Manitoba Film & Music.
“The things we learn go beyond just animation — these are skills we can apply to life. Being in an environment like [Sisler IDM], you just keep learning, especially from each other.”
Luisa Roscuata, a post-grad student
The CREATE program has transformed into a community for nurturing creativity and career paths since its launch, instilling the importance of collaboration, communication and critical thinking. Students rely on each other and seek help from those with different skills needed to complete projects — a fundamental formula that fosters a culture of open communication as well as inclusiveness.
“The educators and IDM program framework at Sisler are in a league of their own – it is perhaps the top IDM program in Canada. Sisler consistently produces some of our country’s brightest young talent and we highly value their collaboration with VFS.”
Dr. Ted Gervan, former VP of Education at VFS
ToonBoom’s Sisler Case Study Download
“In my classroom, one of the focuses is developing communication and collaboration skills, and students learning to be team players. Once those soft skills are there, it’s amazing to see what the students can accomplish because they feel confident and empowered, which is the key to success,”
Mr. Leduc, Animation & Concept Art Instructor
Exposure leads to exceptionally bright futures
Sisler students discover different creative career paths in two ways:
1. Workshops
A variety of specialized workshops educate and engage all students, regardless of grade. They are especially beneficial to younger pupils who aren’t able to register for the IDM classes yet, allowing them to gauge their interest level.
2. Exploratory classes
Students are introduced to animation, app development, game design and video editing concepts and skills. They will also learn how to brainstorm, plan, create, develop and deliver digital media projects. After completion, students can select a specialized learning pathway.
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