When the Department of Education proposed the K-12 program in 2010, the Senate was the first to pick holes in the proposition. The legislators protested against the extra two years and questioned the value it can give to students. They also complained about the financial strain the new policy might pass on to parents who can’t even afford the present 10-year basic education program.
However, are there just minuses and no pluses?
If you are among the students affected by the new education system, focus on the facts and know your options. Discover how the new education system can hone your skills and prepare you for a better future.
What You Should Know
The last two years of the K-12 program is collectively known as the Senior High School (SHS). During this stage, you will need to take up a combination of “core” and “track” subjects and choose a field that you want to specialize in. Its main goal is to equip you with skills that would make you ready for college, employment, or entrepreneurship.
Core Curriculum
According to DepEd, SHS’ core subjects covers 8 learning areas. These include languages, communication, literature, math, natural sciences, philosophy, and social sciences.
Specific Tracks
Here, you can pick among the four available tracks: academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, sports, and arts and design. To help you decide on a field to specialize, DepEd will require you to take up various assessments such as an aptitude test, a career assessment exam, and an occupational interest inventory. Below is a list of tracks you can focus on:
Academic Track
This track has four strands: (1) general academic, (2) science, technology, engineering, and math (or STEM), (3) accountancy, business, and management (or ABM), and (4) humanities and social sciences (or HUMMS). These subjects are perfect for students who desire to master specific field of interests and pursue college education after senior high school.
Sports Track
This track teaches safety and first aid, human movement, coaching, fitness and recreation leadership, fitness testing, and psychological aspects of sports and exercise.
Arts and Design Track
Subjects in this track include two parts of creative industries, leadership and management in various arts fields, and personal development in the arts.
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track
This track aims to carry out a project-based learning that will make students skilled and job-ready after graduation. Learners can specialize in any of the following fields: Home Economics (HE), Industrial Arts (IA), Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and Agri-Fishery. After completing this track, a student may obtain a National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
With all these subjects included in the new curriculum, students in the Philippines will surely benefit from the K-12 program. They will not only be able to master the competencies they want, but will also earn the certifications and skills they need to win a job.