Image from DepEd Philippines’ page via Facebook - Only 342,000 of the 1.3 million senior high students (SHS) have enrolled
- The number is just 26 percent of the total number of expected students
- The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education
Ready for senior high school (SHS)?
The Department of Education (DepEd) has reiterated its call on the importance of K to 12, including the benefits that one can get from studying at SHS; as only 26 percent of the estimated number of Grade 11 students have enrolled.
In a television report made by Bettina Magsaysay of ABS-CBN News, it was disclosed that of the expected 1.3 million incoming Grade 11, only 342,000 have enrolled.
“Iyong ibang parents ay hesitant siguro na papapasukin ko pa nga ba ng Grade 11 o ng senior high school itong aking anak o patutulungin ko na lang sa hanap-buhay. Iniisip din nila ‘yong gastusin. Gusto man nila magtuloy talaga sa senior high school [Some parents are hesitant, I guess, to enroll their children at Grade 11 or senior high school; wondering if they should still send them to school or just ask them to help earn a living. They are thinking of the expenses. Even if they want to send them to senior high school),” DepEd official Dr. Cecille Carandang said.
K to 12
The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education — six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of SHS. This aims 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.
According to the DepEd, the K to 12 has “salient features”.
First, it strengthens early childhood education.
“Every Filipino child now has access to early childhood education through Universal Kindergarten. At five 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,” the department explained; noting that the early years of a human being, from zero to six years, are the most critical period when the brain grows to at least 60 to 70 percent of adult size.
Second, it makes the curriculum relevant to learners.
“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,” the DepEd disclosed.
Also, it builds proficiency through language.
“Students are able to learn best through their first language, their Mother Tongue (MT). Twelve MT languages have been introduced for school year 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,” the agency noted.
In addition, it ensures integrated and seamless learning.
“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,” the DepEd stated.
Furthermore, it gears up student to the future.
“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,” it was noted.
You may watch the television report here:
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