BBM orders major overhaul of senior high curriculum

National

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered a major overhaul of the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum to modernize the educational framework.

Marcos' directive, which was announced by Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the directive during a briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday, Aug. 13, follows the approval of a new cabinet cluster for education.

The plan will reduce required subjects, offering some courses as electives, allowing students to choose courses that align with their career goals while maintaining a strong foundational education.

"We will offer subjects as electives instead of cutting them down,” Angara said.

Currently, SHS students must complete around 20 core subjects. In contrast, students in countries like England, Australia, and the United States typically have only three to seven core subjects.

The updated curriculum will feature core subjects across all career tracks: academic, technical-vocational-livelihood, sports, and arts and design.

This core curriculum will focus on essential skills such as reading, writing, communication, personal development, and physical education.

Angara emphasized that these reforms aim to enhance students' preparedness for high-quality jobs.

The Department of Education (DepEd) will collaborate with industries to ensure that elective subjects support students' career paths and improve job prospects.

Additionally, DepEd has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry and Thames International School to introduce an e-commerce track for SHS students.

The department has also partnered with the Private Sector Advisory Council to address the jobs and skills mismatch through an enhanced work immersion program.

Angara highlighted the need to review the National Learning Recovery Program, noting that its effectiveness has not been properly assessed.(MyTVCebu)