What’s Happening with the SHS Curriculum?
Right now, the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is changing the Senior High School (Grades 11–12) curriculum. They want to make it less crowded and easier to learn so students can be more ready for college, work, or business when they graduate. This change is called the Strengthened Senior High School Program and is starting with pilot schools in the 2025–2026 school year.
What Is the New Curriculum About?
Under the new program, the many core subjects that used to be required are lessened to only five for the students to take. Electives are grouped into flexible clusters and students can choose subjects based on what they want to learn, not just based on their strand. Only two main tracks remain Academic and TechPro but students can take electives from different clusters.
The good thing about this new curriculum is that it lets students focus more on the most important subjects without being overloaded with too many classes. Students can choose electives that match their interests or future goals, like business, science, art, or tech. The changes may also give us more time for real-world experiences like work immersion, which can help us be ready for jobs after graduation.
As a graduating student I think the idea of making the curriculum simpler and more flexible sounds good. I wish my batch had the chance to experience it because it seems more balanced, flexible and less stressful. Giving students more choices and experience that can help them understand what they really want for their future. Overall, I believe this change will truly benefit future senior high school students.