The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is planning to reduce the number of subjects in the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum to help students focus more on work immersion and on-the-job training (OJT). This move aims to prepare SHS students with practical skills that can boost their employability, even if they have limited work experience.
Focus on Practical Skills for SHS Graduates
Education Secretary Sonny Angara emphasized that simplifying the SHS curriculum and reducing the number of subjects to around five or six would create more opportunities for students to focus on essential, hands-on experience through work immersion. This is especially important because SHS graduates often face challenges finding jobs due to a lack of work experience. The reduction of subjects would allow more time for real-world training, which is increasingly valued by employers.
In a recent statement at the 2024 Regional Conference on Educational Planning in Asia, Angara shared, “We must have flexibility in our system. If we reduce the subjects in our SHS curriculum, students will have more time for the on-the-job training or work immersion needed by the industry, making them more employable.”
Meeting with Experts for Curriculum Review
On Monday, DepEd held discussions with academic experts to speed up efforts in reviewing and streamlining the SHS curriculum. The department consulted with advisors from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to gather recommendations for restructuring the SHS curriculum, particularly in core subjects like English, Science, and Math.
This review is seen as a key step in aligning the curriculum with international education standards while still addressing the unique needs of Filipino students.
Addressing the Overloaded Basic Education Curriculum
Secretary Angara has previously pointed out that the country’s basic education curriculum is overly packed, a view supported by international education experts. By reducing the number of subjects, DepEd aims to lighten students’ academic load, allowing them to focus on fewer subjects with more depth, and gain practical experience that will prepare them for the workforce.
Benefits of Streamlining the SHS Curriculum
The planned reduction of subjects has several potential benefits for both students and employers:
- Enhanced Skill Development: With fewer subjects, students can gain more in-depth knowledge in areas critical to their career path.
- More Time for Work Immersion: Reducing the academic workload allows students to spend more time in practical training and internships.
- Increased Employability: By prioritizing work immersion, students can acquire hands-on experience, making them more attractive to future employers.
- Curriculum Flexibility: The updated curriculum aims to be adaptable, better preparing students for the demands of the modern workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is DepEd reducing the number of SHS subjects?
The goal is to give students more time for work immersion and practical experience, making them more job-ready after graduation.
Which subjects will remain in the SHS curriculum?
The core subjects that will likely remain are English, Science, Math, and other essential subjects that provide foundational knowledge.
How will this change impact SHS students?
With fewer subjects to focus on, students can dive deeper into critical topics and participate more in work-related training, preparing them for future careers.
When will the new SHS curriculum take effect?
DepEd has not specified an exact date, as the changes are still in the planning and consultation stages. However, the department is working to implement these changes as soon as possible.
How does work immersion benefit students?
Work immersion gives students real-world experience, helping them develop practical skills that employers value, which can increase their chances of employment after graduation.
Conclusion
The Department of Education’s move to streamline the Senior High School curriculum reflects its commitment to improving students’ preparedness for the workforce. By reducing the academic load, students can gain meaningful work experience and build essential skills, making SHS graduates more competitive in today’s job market. As DepEd continues its consultations and reviews, students, parents, and educators alike can look forward to a curriculum that balances academic learning with practical skills essential for career success.
