Project News

June 13, 2016 was a special opening for all students and schools in the Philippines, since K to 12 was fully implemented for the first time from this school year. Compulsory education in the Philippines now covers one year kindergarten and 12 year basic education consisting of 6 years elementary, 4 years junior high school and 2 years senior high school.

DepEd has made great efforts to launch K to 12 program smoothly, including classroom construction, teacher recruitment, and teaching-learning material development. For school heads, DepEd published "Senior High School Manual of Operations". It indicated that school heads should ensure all incoming Grade 11 students are enrolled in program offerings based on their preference, needs of community, current and emerging job markets, and school capabilities. To enhance students' awareness of senior high school (SHS) program, "An Introductory Guide to Senior High School" was published. It said that SHS provides its graduates with various choices and opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship.

According to DepEd official website, 5,990 public schools and 5,046 private schools (including private universities and colleges) established SHS this year^[1]. Overviews of two examples of partner schools of the Project are described below.

Bataan School of Fisheries

Bataan School of Fisheries (BSF) is one of the best fishery schools in the Philippines.

The Project Team visited BSF on July 4, 2016 that was the first day of Grade 11 class after 3 weeks of orientation. Since most students who completed Grade 10 continued studying at their SHS, students looked relaxed and familiar to each other.

The design of uniform was decided, and BSF students in the garments course sewed uniforms for all Grade 11 students.

Tagum National Trade School

Tagum National Trade School (TNTS) attracted students who completed Grade 10 from Tagum City because of its Arts and Trade specializations. In this school year, TNTS accepted more than 800 Grade 11 students.

TNTS is the only school where SHS students can learn automotive technology and 236 students entered the course this year. Equipment procured by the Project also seemed to be one of attractions for them. TNTS plans to open a service center in the community as a venue for work immersion for students.