As we move towards the full implementation of the Senior High School Program, we wish to provide all parents with additional information that would guide them in tackling the challenges ahead. Here are some important facts about SHS:
- What is Senior High School (SHS)?
Senior High School refers to the last two (2) years of basic education in the K-12 Curriculum.
- Will SHS mean two more years in high school?
Yes. These two additional years in high school will equip the learners with skills that will better prepare them for the future, particularly when they go to college. Most of the subjects are still under the basic education program, which means subjects are high school based and not college.
- Is Senior High School really necessary? What happens to a learner who does not go through SHS?
Yes. According to the Law, beginning SY 2016-2017, a learner must go through Grades 11 and 12 to graduate from high school. Anyone who does not undergo SHS will not be considered a high school graduate and will not be able to pursue a college degree.
- What will a child learn in SHS that the current high school curriculum does not include?
SHS covers eight (8) learning areas, including English, Filipino, Mathematics, Science, Health and Physical Education. There are additional specific tracks which SHS students may pick from, based on how he or she will want to proceed after high school graduation.
- Is it wiser to enroll in a university or college for senior high school?
No. For Grade 11 alone, 70% of the subjects SHS students will take are still the same subjects taken by Grades 7-10 students. These are Language/ English, Filipino, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE and Health (CORE SUBJECTS). The only difference is the higher level of difficulty. For the Grade 12 level, 30% of the subjects under the SHS Program will again be the same as mentioned above. The remaining subjects for SHS are introduction to the college course of choice by the student related to Science, Technology, Mathematics, Accountancy, Business and Management, Humanities or Social Sciences. Current high schools are definitely in a better position to handle the challenges of Senior High School. After all, SHS stands for senior HIGH SCHOOL and not junior college.
