In the year 2013, the Department of Education in the Philippines implemented the Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum. This led to the great shift in the Philippines' education system for the normal, High School was transformed to Junior High School (Grade 7 - 10 level), and the addition of two more years under Senior High School (Grade 11-12 level).
For more info click this link: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/k-12/
This implementation brought a shift to the traditional education idea in the Philippines for students will spend at least 13 years of basic education: kindergarten, primary education, junior high school, and senior high. Before they could be able to enroll in college which depending on the student course, will accumulate another year's worth of learning. Many parents, students, and teachers alike have different opinions in terms of this implemented enhancement. The teaching industry and community are now given the major task to ensure that quality education is further given. With the implementation of Senior High School, students should now clearly think of their future for their chosen track should lead them to their occupational interest.
Making choices is never easy if adults are having a hard time making life choices; imagine our students doing the same thing. Choosing the right track is crucial to their overall success for this is their stepping stop before going to college. As an educator for eight years, I have seen my student making decisions in terms of the SHS track they want to pursue. At that time I tried my best to be informative and guide them to choose their SHS track; it was no easy task, for at the very end of the day the students will make a decision and not me.
Disclaimer: This post is for entertainment purposes only. Research and experience are the foundation of this post, I hope to enlighten the readers regarding this topic, and please click the links directing to more information about this topic. Please do not come for me.
For our future senior high school students, here are some details you need to think about before choosing a track, I hope this can help you fully decide. Your future is you.
1. Consider yourself
Always bear in mind that you will be the one studying your chosen track. Yes! You can seek assistance, help, or consult but at the very end of the day, you as the learner you need to step up. Before choosing a track you should know yourself, your skills, learning ability, and your desired future. The track that you will be choosing is not something you can retract, once you are enrolled and already starting you need to build your self-consciousness for its completion is on your hands.
2. Research
Nothing beats a well-informed human being. One common mistake of students nowadays is that they tend to follow the crowd, the trend, and what is hip. There is nothing wrong with that sense, it is just that half of the student population end up choosing a course or track that they do not have any clue about. To avoid this research is important, explore all sides of possibility. The skills development, internship programs, employment, and college course that will be offered under that track should be understood. This will not happen over time, as students, you should already start to take interest and look for options. You can go online, ask your parents, class adviser, guidance counselor, or attend orientations to widen your perspective.
3. Weight all options
Deduce your options to at least three tracks, you might ask why? It is because at the end of the day you need to make a decision. The world might be our oyster, but believe me, we do not have enough stomachs to eat all does oysters. Once you're done with your research, and you have enough data, considering yourself is the next best thing. You need to weigh and gauge your options depending on the following: skills, qualifications, assets, school, income, time, and future perspective. You need to plan a certain time frame in terms of studying to achieve your goals.
4. Lifestyle check
Education is an opportunity and right of every child, but again education in the Philippines is something to think about for it depends upon a certain lifestyle. There is nothing wrong with aspiring to study in the most expensive school or most expensive strand/course in the Philippines, but then again availability should be considered. Checking on your lifestyle, habits, economical standing, psychological processes, and emotional baggage are details you need to consider. Some schools offer scholarships, vouchers, or student loans on a specific strand, consider those as well.
5. Get advice
No man is an island, so if you are in a state of shock, confusion, or at a total loss. I recommend you seek advice. Getting a fresh perspective will allow you to see how people view certain SHS tracks and their underlying pros and cons. It will also allow you to see the current economic changes in the employment industry. Asking question is not a crime, it is an opportunity.
To future SHS students, real-life officially begins once you take on responsibilities, challenges, and make choices. As you end your Junior high school life and enter your Senior High life as a teacher I am not asking you to be mature or act as if you are already an experienced adult. The only thing I am asking is for all of you to act based on your age, for once make decisions, and work for your goals. You are the master of your own universe, you should know your grounds, your highs, your lows, and yourself. Just remember your teachers are here as guides.
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