Equipping Youth as Catalyst of Change

 

THE K-12 CURRICULUM

       K to 12 (also K-12) is an education system under the Department of Education that aims to enhance learners’ basic skills, produce more competent citizens, and prepare graduates for lifelong learning and employment.

 

       It covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education which includes six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.


       At present, the Philippines is the last country in Asia and one of only three countries in the world with a 10-year pre-university program.

K-12 MISSION

       The pilot project supports dualized approaches to vocational education and training and therby contributes to an increase in employment and income of youth and their families; and to meeting the needs of companies for well qualified staff at mid to high skills levels.

K-12 VISION

       An industry-driven dual training system that generates excellent skills and knowledge to build a competent workforce for globally competitive businesses in the Philippines. This will be achieved by strengthening private sector participation in vocational education and training, as well as in policy dialogue. The K-12 PLUS project shall sustainably improve practice-orientation and orientation of vocational education and training towards the needs of industry by anchoring dual approaches in the context of the “K to 12” reform. The project will not only focus on the vocational orientation and education in Grades 11 and 12, but also on the subsequent further education and training in view of a holistic and ladderized vocational qualification. Apart from improving the vocational education and training offer in selected Clusters on implementation level, the project aims at strengthening the role of private sector in the Philippine vocational education and training system overall, at targeted image improvement of vocational education and training, as well as at anchoring the piloted reform approaches in relevant legislation and regulation at system level.

 
 
 
 

Why Push for K-12 Basic Education Program?

 

K-12 EDUCATION SYSTEM

·         The K-12 program offers a decongested 12-year program that gives students sufficient time to master skills and absorb basic competencies.

·         Students of the new system will graduate at the age of 18 and will be ready for employment, entrepreneurship, middle level skills development, and higher education upon graduation.

·         The K-12 program accelerates mutual recognition of Filipino graduates and professionals in other countries.

·         Kindergarten is mandatory for five-year-old children, a pre-requisite for admission to Grade 1.

·         The new curriculum gives students the chance to choose among three tracks (i.e. Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts) and undergo immersion, which provides relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.

 

VERSUS

 

 

OLD SYSTEM

·         Students lack mastery of basic competencies due to a congested ten-year basic education curriculum.

·         Graduates of the old curriculum are younger than 18 years old and are not legally ready to get a job or start a business.

·         Foreign countries perceive a ten-year curriculum as insufficient. They do not automatically recognize Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as professionals abroad.

·         Kindergarten (a strong foundation for lifelong learning and total development) is optional and not a pre-requisite for admission to Grade 1.

·         Old education system offers a broad curriculum that does not include enough practical applications.

Strengthening Early Childhood Education (Universal Kindergarten)

       Every Filipino child now has access to early childhood education through Universal Kindergarten. At 5 years old, children start schooling and are given the means to slowly adjust to formal education.

       Research shows that children who underwent Kindergarten have better completion rates than those who did not. Children who complete a standards-based Kindergarten program are better prepared, for primary education.

       Education for children in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong learning and for the total development of a child. The early years of a human being, from 0 to 6 years, are the most critical period when the brain grows to at least 60-70 percent of adult size..[Ref: K to 12 Toolkit]

In Kindergarten, students learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors through games, songs, and dances, in their Mother Tongue. 

 

      The Kindergarten Curriculum Framework (KCF) draws from the goals of the K to 12 Philippine Basic Education Curriculum Framework and adopts the general principles of the National Early Learning Framework (NELF). Kindergarten learners need to have a smooth transition to the content-based curriculum of Grades 1 to 12. 

  

Making the Curriculum Relevant to Learners (Contextualization and Enhancement)

       Examples, activities, songs, poems, stories, and illustrations are based on local culture, history, and reality. This makes the lessons relevant to the learners and easy to understand.
Students acquire in-depth knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through continuity and consistency across all levels and subjects.
Discussions on issues such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, and Information & Communication Technology (ICT) are included in the enhanced curriculum.

Building Proficiency through Language (Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education)

       Students are able to learn best through their first language, their Mother Tongue (MT). Twelve (12) MT languages have been introduced for SY 2012-2013: Bahasa Sug, Bikol, Cebuano, Chabacano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Kapampangan, Maguindanaoan, Meranao, Pangasinense, Tagalog, and Waray. Other local languages will be added in succeeding school years.
Aside from the Mother Tongue, English and Filipino are taught as subjects starting Grade 1, with a focus on oral fluency. From Grades 4 to 6, English and Filipino are gradually introduced as languages of instruction. Both will become primary languages of instruction in Junior High School (JHS) and Senior High School (SHS).
       After Grade 1, every student can read in his or her Mother Tongue. Learning in Mother Tongue also serves as the foundation for students to learn Filipino and English easily.

Ensuring Integrated and Seamless Learning (Spiral Progression)

       Subjects are taught from the simplest concepts to more complicated concepts through grade levels in spiral progression. As early as elementary, students gain knowledge in areas such as Biology, Geometry, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Algebra. This ensures a mastery of knowledge and skills after each level.
For example, currently in High School, Biology is taught in 2nd Year, Chemistry in 3rd Year, and Physics in 4th Year. In K to 12, these subjects are connected and integrated from Grades 7 to 10. This same method is used in other Learning Areas like Math.

Gearing Up for the Future (Senior High School)

       Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students may choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The choice of career track will define the content of the subjects a student will take in Grades 11 and 12. SHS subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or specific Tracks.

 

CORE CURRICULUM

       There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages, Literature, Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Current content from some General Education subjects are embedded in the SHS curriculum.

 

 
 

TRACKS

        Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic; Technical-Vocational-Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands: Business, Accountancy, Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).
 

 

 

1. Academic Track 

         This track appeals to those who have set their minds towards college education. Divided into degree-specific courses, the Academic track in senior high school aims to prepare students to more advanced university courses. Under this umbrella are four strands. General Academic (GA), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMMS), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM)

 

 

 

   

    GA (General Academic Strand) 

       This is the most flexible strand among the four strands offered in the Academic Track because students get to learn and experience something from all the other strands. GAS is essentially for students who are undecided on which strand to take.

 

 

What are the subjects under GAS?

       GAS subjects are a mix of specialized subjects from the other three strands: Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand, and Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand and other tracks offered for Senior High School students.

 

The subjects offered are the following:

A. Humanities 1 (either of the following: Creative Writing / Malikhaing Pagsulat, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, Creative Nonfiction, Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Culture)

B. Humanities 2 (either of the following: Creative Writing / Malikhaing Pagsulat, Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems, Creative Nonfiction, Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Culture)


C. Social Science 1 (either of the following: Philippine Politics and Governance, Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship, Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences, Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences)
 
  

 

D. Applied Economics

 

E. Organization and Management

 

F. Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction

 

G. Elective 1 (from any Track/Strand)*

 

H. Elective 2 (from any Track/Strand)*

I. Work Immersion/Research/Career Advocacy/Culminating Activity 
     


 

 

Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSED) Majors

 

– English– Filipino– Technology and Livelihood Education– Biological Education– Mathematics– Physical Sciences– Social Studies– Values Education

 

         

Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) Majors

 

– Preschool Education– Special Education

 

 

 

ABM (Accountancy, Business and Management Strand)

       In the past, most high schools would integrate a basic Accounting course into their curriculum – highlighting only the key concepts while providing a beginner’s guide to debits and credits. But with the ABM strand, students will get to spend more time understanding Applied Economics, Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, Accountancy, Business, Management, Business Math, Business Finance, Business Organization and Principles in Marketing. Senior high school students will also be required to engage themselves in the field through practical experience and immersions in various sectors and corporate industries. A business enterprise simulation will also be in the works for students who have opted to take this strand. If negotiating, talking to consumers, strategizing and analyzing business models are more your thing then this is the path for you.

What are the subjects under ABM?

A. Applied Economics

B. Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

C. Fundamentals of Accountancy, Business and Management 2

D. Business Math

E. Business Finance

F. Organization and Management

G. Principles of Marketing

H. Work Immersion/Research/Career Advocacy/Culminating Activity i.e. Business Enterprise Simulation

 

What college courses or degree programs can I take after Senior High School?

Accountancy

Bachelor of Science Courses

– Accountancy (BSA)
– Accounting Technology (BSAcT)
Business

Bachelor of Science Business Administration Majors

– Business Economics (BSBA)
– Financial Management (BSBA major in FM)
– Human Resource Development (BSBA major in HRDM)
– Marketing Management (BSBA major in MM)
– Operations Management (BSBA major in OM)
– Entrepreneurship (BS Entrep)
– Agribusiness (BS Agribusiness)
Management

Bachelor of Science Courses

– Hotel and Restaurant Management (BS HRM)
– Office Administration (BSOA)
– Real Estate Management (BS REM)
– Tourism Management (BSTM)
– Community Development (BS Community Development)
– Foreign Service (BS Foreign Service)
– International Studies (BSIS)
– Public Safety (BSPS)
– Social Work (BS Social Work)

         

What are your possible professions?

1. Accountant
2. Economist
3. Financial Analyst
4. Entrepreneur
5. Marketer
6. Sales Manager
7. Banker
8. Auditor
9. Investor
10. Stockbroker 

 

 

 

 
HUMSS (Humanities, and Social Sciences) 

The HUMMS strand is designed for those who wonder what is on the other side of the wall. In other words, you are ready to take on the world and talk to a lot of people. This is for those who are considering taking up journalism, communication arts, liberal arts, education, and other social science-related courses in college.
If you take this strand, you could be looking forward to becoming a teacher, a psychologist, a lawyer, a writer, a social worker, or a reporter someday. This strand focuses on improving your communication skills. Oh! And priesthood is a choice in here too!
 

What are the subjects in HUMSS Strand?

       Subjects offered in HUMSS Strand are very diverse ranging from literature, politics and language. These subjects focus on developing your reading, writing, speaking and thinking skills.
 
 
       These are the subjects that you will take if you choose to take this strand:



A. Creative Writing / Malikhaing Pagsulat

B. Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems

C. Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century Culture

D. Philippine Politics and Governance

E. Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship
F. Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences

G. Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences

H. Work Immersion/Research/Career Advocacy/Culminating Activity

What college courses or degree programs can I take after Senior High School?

       HUMSS Strand is for students who aspire to take communication, liberal arts, education or philosophy in college. After you take this strand, you can pursue college degrees such as or related to the following:

• Bachelor of Arts in Communication
• Bachelor of Elementary Education
• Bachelor of Secondary Education
• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
• Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism
• Bachelor of Arts major in Social Studies
• Bachelor of Arts major in Philosophy
• Bachelor of Arts major in Asian Studies
• Bachelor of Arts major in Literature
• Bachelor of Arts major in Foreign Studies
• Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science  

What are your possible professions?

       Being a HUMSS student does not automatically mean that you’re an aspiring lawyer or politician. Contrary to popular belief, a HUMSS student can also be a writer, broadcaster, counselor, editor or journalist as this strand hones your communication skills, too. HUMSS opens lots of opportunities for students because of several prospective professions that you can choose from such as:  

• Tutor/Teacher Assistant
• Researcher
• Training Assistant
• Community Development Worker/Organizer
• Day Care Center Worker
• Life Coach

 

 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

       Technology has been playing a huge role in today’s everyday life.

       Everything seems to be going digital and most operations are now moving towards the automated route. Even education has been affected by this rapid transformation as more unconventional means of instruction have been developed – from online courses to online file sharing. Because of the recent technological advancements, there has been an increase in the demand for professionals in the fields of science and technology.
 
       If building prototypes and robots, crunching numbers, analyzing the ways of life, and all things tech interest you then the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand is the right fit for you!
 
       Through the STEM strand, students will get to learn the basics of STEM-related disciplines such as Calculus, Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Students will get an overview of the foundation of most STEM fields which basically deal with several branches of physical, Earth and life sciences, and pure and applied mathematics.

What college courses or degree programs can I take after Senior High School?

       So far, the STEM strand gives you more options on what to pick for your college course. Hence, if you’ll choose this strand, you can study one of these courses to trail in college.

Science

          Bachelor of Science Courses

– Environmental Science (BSES)
– Geology (BS Geology)
– Molecular Biology (BS Molecular Biology)
– Physics (BS Physics)
– Applied Physics (BS Applied Physics)
– Chemistry (BS Chemistry)
– Food Technology (BS Food Technology)
– Nutrition and Dietetics (BS Nutrition and Dietetics)
– Medical Technology (BS Med Tech)
– Midwifery (BS Midwifery)
– Nursing (BSN)
– Occupational Therapy (BSOT)
– Pharmacy (BS Pharmacy)
– Radiologic Technology (BS Rad Tech)
– Respiratory Therapy (BSRT)
– Speech-Language Pathology

Technology

          Bachelor of Science Courses

– Computer Science (BSCS)
– Information Technology (BSIT)
– Information Systems (BSIS)

Engineering

          Bachelor of Science Courses

– Aeronautical Engineering (BS AeroE)
– Ceramic Engineering (BSCerE)
– Chemical Engineering (BSChE)
– Civil engineering (BSCE)
– Computer Engineering (BSCpE)
– Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
– Electronics and Communications Engineering (BSECE)
– Geodetic Engineering (BSGE)
– Geological Engineering (BSGeoE)
– Industrial Engineering (BSIE)
– Marine Engineering (BSMarE)
– Materials Engineering (BSMatE)
– Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
– Metallurgical Engineering (BSMetE)
– Mining Engineering (BSEM)
– Petroleum Engineering (BSPetE)
– Sanitary Engineering (BSSE)
– Marine Transportation (BSMT)

Mathematics

          Bachelor of Science Courses

– Mathematics (BS Mathematics)
– Applied Mathematics (BS Applied Mathematics)
– Statistics (BS Stat)

 

What are your possible professions?

Pursuing a career in the STEM field is very exciting and new since the world of tech is constantly evolving.

1. Bio Researcher
2. Mechanical Engineer
3. Civil Engineer
4. Chemical Engineer
5. Industrial Engineer
6. Microbiologist
7. Statistician
8. Programmer
9. Software Developer
10. Database Administrator

 

If you need more convincing that the STEM track might just be your calling, here are more reasons to pursue this great path:

1. It will surely challenge you to be creative.
2. The disciplines evolve over time.
3. STEM is the answer for most of the world’s problems.
4. The need for STEM will only increase for the years to come.
5. You will always be learning something new.

 

 

 

 

 

ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

 

Information and communication technology revolutionizes how the different industries and institutions operate. As communication and technological progress reshapes many aspects of the society, it is also a driving force behind economic growth. Thus, this strand will equip the graduates with the necessary skills and competencies fitting for employment as they earned their National Certification II from TESDA. With the strong external linkages and varied industry partners, graduates have high possibility of employability as they will be absorbed by the companies during their On-the- job training.

 

 

College Degree Program

This strand will lead them to college degree programs in:

 

1. Animation
2. Computer Science
3. Information Technology
4. Computer Programming

 

       The Information Communication Technology (ICT) program strives to educate students to assume leadership roles where the application of information technology is concerned with the ultimate goal of connecting people, organizations, and communities to enhance their ability to succeed. The broad cluster of occupations that fall within the ICT arena includes:

 

– Database Analyst – Privacy Coordinator – Computer & Information Systems Manager – Web Marketing Manager – Information Security Analyst – Digital Strategist – Staff Technologist – Computer Support Specialist – Mobilization Specialist – Government Technologist – Information Assurance Analyst

       Students in UK's program have the advantage of being able to choose the degree concentration that best fits their career plans from two options, ICT Commercialization and Technology Management.

 

 

 

2. Technical-Vocational-Livelihood(TVL) Track

 

 

 

· It calls out to eligible students with subjects focused on job-ready skills. Besides, it offers practical knowledge with matching certificates to help students land their desired job after they graduate from SHS. Under the senior high school tech-voc track are the following strands. Agri-Fishery Arts Home Economics Industrial Arts Information and Communications Technology (ICT) 

       In contrast, if you crave to work right after graduating from a K to 12 track and strand, the TVL track fits you. Yet, if you wish to further your career in college with this track, you can pick from any of these courses.

 A. Agri-Fishery Arts

Bachelor of Science Courses

– Agriculture
– Agroforestry (BS Agroforestry)
– Forestry (BS Forestry)
– Fisheries (BSFi)
– Agribusiness
– Agricultural Science
– Sustainable Agriculture
– Agriculture Education
– Agricultural Resource Management

B. Home Economics

C. Industrial Arts

– Industrial Engineering
– Mechanical Engineering

D. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

– Electrical Computer Engineering
– Information Technology
– Software Engineering

Bachelor of Arts Courses

– Multimedia Arts (BS MMA)

Bachelor of Science Courses

– Computer Science
– Entertainment Multimedia Computing

 

 

 

 

3. Sports Track

 

· Developed to equip SHS students with sports-related and physical fitness and track appeals to those who wish to venture into athletics, fitness, and recreational industries.

       The sports track, in fact, prepares you to become a fitness trainer, gaming official, tournament manager, recreation attendant, masseur, or gym instructor. Hence, if you want to trail one of these careers, you’re already on the right track.

1. Athletics

2. Fitness

3. Recreational Industries

 

 

 

 

 

4. Arts and Design Track

 

 

· Inside this course, students with a penchant for the Arts can enroll in subjects that will hone their skills in visual design and the performing arts.

 

Students under this track must also have adequate to advance skills in the arts. This track, in particular, includes old and modern art, and the means and channels of multimedia, production, and creative fields.

a. Visual Arts

– Bachelor of Multimedia Arts

b. Performing Arts

       –  As the first batch of K-12 graduates draws closer to the end of their high school studies, a few of them crave rather to get a job. Others, though, are eager to hone their careers and earn a degree. One edge also of K to 12 tracks and strands is arming them with skills that will help them join the workforce or move on to college.

 

       Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to provide them relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.


 

TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a National Certificate Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track in Grade 12, 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).

NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics, and Trade.

 

MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high schools, and higher education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This is a Research and Design (R&D) program to simulate different aspects of Senior High School in preparation for full nationwide implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling programs offered by these schools are based on students’ interests, community needs, and their respective capacities.

 

NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND LIVELIHOOD READINESS, 21ST CENTURY SKILLS)

After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum, and a specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into different paths – may it be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Every graduate will be equipped with:

1. Information, media and technology skills,
2. Learning and innovation skills,
3. Effective communication skills, and
4. Life and career skills. 

 
 
K-12 IN THE PHILIPPINES: LATEST NEWS
 


Petitioners ask SC to declare K-12 program unconstitutional

               Parents, teachers, students of Manila Science High School has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision declaring K-12 curriculum under Republic Act 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 as constitutional.

       Under RA 10533, the number of years of basic education was increased to include a year of kindergarten, six years of elementary education and six years of secondary education–four years junior high school and two years of senior high school.





       The objective, under the law was to make the country “at par with international standards” having 12 year basic education cycle and the Philippines remains one of the three countries with a 10-year education cycle.

        In their motion for reconsideration, they said the law was passed without considering other factors such as poverty, lack of teachers, classrooms and books.

        “Given adequate instruction, armed with sufficient books, and a conducive learning environment, the Filipino student does not need at all two (2) additional years of senior high school,” read the motion for reconsideration.

        “Hence, it is not reasonably necessary to add two (2) years of senior high school to accomplish the objective of improving student performance. For that reason, it is unduly oppressive and an unwarranted intrusion into the right to education of all Filipino students, thus, violating their right to substantive due process,” they further stated.

       “They beseech the Honorable Court to spare the youth of the land from the injury being inflicted on them by this despotic and anti-democratic education program. They beseech the Honorable Court to junk the K to 12 law by declaring it to be unconstitutional,” petitioners added.

        Early this month, the high court affirmed the legality of K-12 saying it was an exercise of the State’s police power.

       The high court said problems that may arise in the implementation of the program is not for the court to address. /jpv

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1057658/petitioners-ask-sc-to-declare-k-12-program-unconstitutional#ixzz5eLuXuIhO