The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary

education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide
sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for

tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship.

STRENGTHENING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (UNIVERSAL KINDERGARTEN)

Every Filipino child now has access to early childhood education through Universal
Kindergarten. At 5 years old, children start schooling and are given the means to slowly
adjust to formal education.

Research shows that children who underwent Kindergarten have better completion rates
than those who did not. Children who complete a standards-based Kindergarten program
are better prepared, for primary education.

Education for children in the early years lays the foundation for lifelong learning and for the total
development of a child. The early years of a human being, from 0 to 6 years, are the most critical period
when the brain grows to at least 60-70 percent of adult size..[Ref: K to 12 Toolkit]

In Kindergarten, students learn the alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors through games, songs, and
dances, in their Mother Tongue.
 MAKING THE CURRICULUM RELEVANT TO LEARNERS (CONTEXTUALIZATION AND
ENHANCEMENT)
Examples, activities, songs, poems, stories, and illustrations are based on local culture,
history, and reality. This makes the lessons relevant to the learners and easy to
understand. Students acquire in-depth knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through
continuity and consistency across all levels and subjects.

Discussions on issues such as Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation, and
Information & Communication Technology (ICT) are included in the enhanced curriculum.

BUILDING PROFICIENCY THROUGH LANGUAGE (MOTHER TONGUE-BASED MULTILINGUAL

EDUCATION)
Students are able to learn best through their first language, their Mother Tongue (MT).
Twelve (12) MT languages have been introduced for SY 2012-2013: Bahasa Sug, Bikol,
Cebuano, Chabacano, Hiligaynon, Iloko, Kapampangan, Maguindanaoan, Meranao,
Pangasinense, Tagalog, and Waray. Other local languages will be added in succeeding school
years.

Aside from the Mother Tongue, English and Filipino are taught as subjects starting Grade 1, with a focus
on oral fluency. From Grades 4 to 6, English and Filipino are gradually introduced as languages of
instruction. Both will become primary languages of instruction in Junior High School (JHS) and Senior
High School (SHS).

After Grade 1, every student can read in his or her Mother Tongue. Learning in Mother Tongue also
serves as the foundation for students to learn Filipino and English easily.

ENSURING INTEGRATED AND SEAMLESS LEARNING (SPIRAL PROGRESSION)

Subjects are taught from the simplest concepts to more complicated concepts through grade
levels in spiral progression. As early as elementary, students gain knowledge in areas such as
Biology, Geometry, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Algebra. This ensures a mastery of knowledge
and skills after each level.

For example, currently in High School, Biology is taught in 2nd Year, Chemistry in 3rd Year, and
Physics in 4th Year. In K to 12, these subjects are connected and integrated from Grades 7 to 10. This
same method is used in other Learning Areas like Math.

GEARING UP FOR THE FUTURE (SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL)

Senior High School is two years of specialized upper secondary education; students may
choose a specialization based on aptitude, interests, and school capacity. The choice of
career track will define the content of the subjects a student will take in Grades 11 and
12. SHS subjects fall under either the Core Curriculum or specific Tracks.
CORE CURRICULUM

There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum. These are Languages, Literature,
Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Current content from
some General Education subjects are embedded in the SHS curriculum.

TRACKS

Each student in Senior High School can choose among three tracks: Academic; Technical-Vocational-
Livelihood; and Sports and Arts. The Academic track includes three strands: Business, Accountancy,
Management (BAM); Humanities, Education, Social Sciences (HESS); and Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics (STEM).

Students undergo immersion, which may include earn-while-you-learn opportunities, to provide them
relevant exposure and actual experience in their chosen track.

TVET (TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING) NATIONAL CERTIFICATE

After finishing Grade 10, a student can obtain Certificates of Competency (COC) or a National Certificate
Level I (NC I). After finishing a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track in Grade 12, a student may obtain a
National Certificate Level II (NC II), provided he/she passes the competency-based assessment of the
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

NC I and NC II improves employability of graduates in fields like Agriculture, Electronics, and Trade.

MODELING BEST PRACTICES FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

In SY 2012-2013, there are 33 public high schools, public technical-vocational high schools, and higher
education institutions (HEIs) that have implemented Grade 11. This is a Research and Design (R&D)
program to simulate different aspects of Senior High School in preparation for full nationwide
implementation in SY 2016-2017. Modeling programs offered by these schools are based on students’
interests, community needs, and their respective capacities.

NURTURING THE HOLISTICALLY DEVELOPED FILIPINO (COLLEGE AND LIVELIHOOD READINESS, 21ST
CENTURY SKILLS)

After going through Kindergarten, the enhanced Elementary and Junior High curriculum, and a
specialized Senior High program, every K to 12 graduate will be ready to go into different paths – may it
be further education, employment, or entrepreneurship.

Every graduate will be equipped with:

1. Information, media and technology skills,

2. Learning and innovation skills,
3. Effective communication skills, and
4. Life and career skills.
CORE CURRICULUM SUBJECTS

There are seven Learning Areas under the Core Curriculum: Languages, Literature,
Communication, Mathematics, Philosophy, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences.

 Oral comunication
 Reading and writing
 Komunikasyon at pananaliksik sa wika at kulturang Filipino
 21st century literature from the Philippines and the world
 Contemporary Philippine arts from the regions
 Media and information literacy
 General mathematics
 Statistics and probability
 Earth and life science
 Physical science
 Introduction to philosophy of the human person/Pambungad sa pilosopiya ng tao
 Physical education and health
 Personal development/pansariling kaunlaran
 Earth science (instead of Earth and life science for those in the STEM strand)
 Disaster readiness and risk reduction (taken instead of Physical science for those in the
STEM strand)
APPLIED TRACK SUBJECTS

 English for academic and professional purposes

 Practical research 1
 Practical research 2
 Filipino sa piling larangan
o Akademik
o Isports
o Sining
o Tech-voc
 Empowerment technologies (for the strand)
 Entrepreneurship
 Inquiries, investigatories, and immersion
SPECIALIZED SUBJECTS

 Accountancy, business, and and management strand

 Humanities and social sciences strand
 Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics strand
 General academic strand

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10533]

AN ACT ENHANCING THE PHILIPPINE BASIC EDUCATION SYSTEM BY

STRENGTHENING ITS CURRICULUM AND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF YEARS
FOR BASIC EDUCATION, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSE
What is the General Academic Strand?
While the other strands are career-specific, the General Academic Strand is great for students who
are still undecided on which track to take. You can choose electives from the different academic
strands under this track. These subjects include Humanities, Social Sciences, Applied Economics,
Organization and Management, and Disaster Preparedness.

What are the subjects in this strand?

Some subjects offered are Humanities, Social Sciences, Applied Economics, Organization and
Management, and Disaster Preparedness.

Humanities
Making a Da Vinci in you? Humanities can be any of the specialized subjects in the Humanities and
Social Sciences (HumSS) Strand. This could be Creative Writing / Malikhaing Pagsulat; Introduction
to World Religions and Belief Systems; Creative Nonfiction; Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking
in 21st Century Culture.

Social Science
Want to become the next President? Social Science subjects can be Philippine Politics and
Governance; Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship; Disciplines and Ideas in the
Social Sciences; Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences.

Applied Economics
Gearing up to be the new Mareng Winnie? Applied Economics will discuss basic economic problems
of the country; analyze market structures; and study strategies to minimize negative impact and
maximize positive impact of businesses in the community.

Organization and Management

Thinking of managing an enterprise? Organization and Management introduces students to
analytical tools like Political Economic Social and Technological (PEST) and Strengths Weaknesses
Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) that can be used when starting business ventures.

Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction

Seeing yourself as Mang Tani? Through Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction, students will
analyze disasters from different perspectives; explain and differentiate disasters; and identify areas
that are exposed and prone to destructive calamities.

If you are still looking for the right strand or if you already have made a decision, you can take
electives from the specialized subject of any other Track or Strand to help you with your choice.

How many students take this strand?

As of September 2016, there are 327,081 students taking the GAS track. This is the highest senior
high enrolment in the Academic track.

What is the HUMMS strand?

The HUMMS strand is designed for those who wonder what is on the other side of the wall. In other
words, you are ready to take on the world and talk to a lot of people. This is for those who are
considering taking up journalism, communication arts, liberal arts, education, and other social
science-related courses in college.

What are the subjects in this strand?

While it is true that the HUMMS means less math and less numbers, this does not mean that this
strand is ‘easier’ than other strands. Part of the curriculum includes introduction to world religions,
Philippine and world literature, political and community development specialization subjects, and
more.

What can I do after SHS?

Communication Arts
With various communication disciplines, techniques, and skills learned from the strand, you can
become a diplomat, a journalist, a writer, a lawyer among others.

Economics and Sociology

If you’ve got the guts and ideals to go into politics, civic leadership, or community work, the HUMMS
got you covered. You can also be involved with careers on history, public administration, social work,
anthropology, environmental planning, or theology.

Education
Possible careers under the HUMMS track also include professionals on literature, philosophy,
guidance counselling, linguistics, Philippine Studies, and English. At the HUMMS curriculum, you will
deal with human experiences through which your lessons would be developed.

Psychology
Other fields that you could qualify are psychotherapy, market research, criminology, and military
science.

How many students take this strand?

According to the DepEd data last September 2015, there are 145, 844 students who enrolled in the
HUMSS strand for their chosen Senior High path

What is the STEM strand?

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are intertwining disciplines when applied in the
real world. The difference of the STEM curriculum with the other strands and tracks is the focus on
advanced concepts and topics.

Under the track, you can become a pilot, an architect, an astrophysicist, a biologist, a chemist, an
engineer, a dentist, a nutritionist, a nurse, a doctor, and a lot more. Those who are also interested in
Marine Engineering should take this track.

What are the subjects in this strand?

Earth Science
STEM will offer you a subject on Earth Science that would discuss continental drift, index fossils, and
renewable energy. This program would also help you identify areas that vulnerable to disasters,
interpret hazard maps, and learn the proper use of hydrometereological tools.

Pre-Calculus and Basic Calculus

Take out your calculators and get a piece of paper. This should be your starter pack for your Pre-
Calculus and Basic Calculus classes. These are all essential once you take your bachelor course on
Mathematics or Engineering.

Physics
Physics classes will explain the various phenomenons that are happening around us. You can also
try magic tricks of kinematics, momentum, impulse, and a lot more. Also take into account the
various thermodynamic concepts, oscillations, gravity among others.

You will also learn to identify the different species of monkeys or take part with environment
conservationists in saving Earth. Through the STEM curriculum, you can be an Eco Warrior!

What can I do with it after SHS?

Agriculture
For the people who love being outdoors, STEM is the track for you! You can get degrees varying
from agricultural engineering, animal science, food technology, horticulture, forestry to veterinary
medicine.

Engineering
Subjects under STEM are tailor fitted to courses such as civil engineering, chemical engineering,
computer engineering, electrical engineering, electronics & communication engineering, industrial
engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Health Care
Anatomy and Physiology just got easy with the STEM curriculum specialized subjects of chemistry
and biology. Your future might hold you as a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physical therapist, dentist, or
medical technologist. I can already see that white coat on you!

Information Technology
Equipped with the basic essentials to survive the rapid global IT marketplace, look forward to get
that degree on Computer Science, Computer Technology, and Information Technology as a STEM
student.

Mathematics and Science

Mathematics and Science is the heart of the STEM curriculum. Different technical career paths are
open for you to take on. Various industries such as banking, civil service, financial services,
consulting, and retail can become your playground in the future.
How many students take this strand?
Did you know that based on the DepEd Enrolment Data last September 2016, the STEM strand
got the 2nd most enrolled career path in the Academic Track with 228, 621 students!

What is the ABM strand?

The Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) strand would focus on the basic concepts of
financial management, business management, corporate operations, and all things that are
accounted for. ABM can also lead you to careers on management and accounting which could be
sales manager, human resources, marketing director, project officer, bookkeeper, accounting clerk,
internal auditor, and a lot more.

What are the subjects in this strand?

The ABM curriculum will allow you to get a deeper appreciation of the fantastic world of accounting
and business management without the hassle of going to Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and
other specialize mathematical subjects that you won’t need.

Subjects in the ABM will give you the tools you will need on your journey to success in the corporate
world. Expect that you will be studying financial and management accounting alongside the legal,
business, and organizational contexts that you will be encountering sa enterprise. In taking this
strand, you will be able to analyze assets, interpret profitability, understand financial positions, and
prepare audit accounts.

What can I do with it after SHS?

Accountancy
Getting accountancy is not left to just being an accountant. You can become an accounts payable
clerk, bookkeeper, budget analyst, internal auditor, chief financial officer among others.

Business Administration
Get on board with other various tracks in the corporate setting like loan officer, administrative
assistant, community-service manager, market-research analyst, financial adviser, and even
become a statistician.

Agribusiness
This means agriculture-related activities that put farmers, processors, distributors, and consumers
within a market system of agricultural products. The Department of Trade and Industry eyes in
transforming agricultural farming into a thriving agribusiness-driven sector.

How many students take this strand?

According to the DepEd data last September, this strand was third in having the most enrolled
students in the Academic track for having 219, 313 enrollees.

What is the Sports Track?

The Sports Track aims to give you understanding of the basic principles and techniques in relation to
physical education and recreation. It will also offer you discuss various factors that affect social,
psychological, and cognitive development in sports leadership and management. Professions that
are related in this track are fitness trainers, game officials, tournament manager, recreation
attendant, masseur, or gym instructor.

What are the subjects in this strand?

This is not all about dance and just playing sports. Physical Education includes an understanding of
human movements through anatomy and physiology.

Part of the curriculum in the Sports Track is Safety and First Aid. This is to ensure that you have the
life skills and competencies in safety, injury prevention and management in various sports and
exercise settings for prompt and proper response during emergencies.

Part of the career track in here is for you to learn the right ways in administering tests and programs
for physical fitness and performance enhancement.

What can I do with it after SHS?

Sport Science
Under the Sports Track, you will gain the skills and knowledge from human physiology to coaching
techniques. Become a gym instructor or a game official and have fun while working. This is track is
going to be literally work and play.

Physical Therapy
This is a great start for those who will take a degree in physical therapy. You have the chance to
touch other people’s lives by helping them recover from their injuries and illnesses.

How many students take this strand?

According to the September 2016 enrollment data of the Department of Education, there are 3,279
students who chose the Sports Track for their senior high program.

 What is the Arts & Design Track?

This track is for those who are interested in pursuing careers on the performative and
creative field. Get to discover your capabilities and stretch what you can do in industries of
music, theatre, visual arts, media arts, and dance. You can gain various skills such as song
composing, stage performing, illustrating, sculpting, photography, or choreography under this
track.

Arts and Design also aims not only to ensure that you can get a livelihood out of your interest
in arts and design but also to help various regions in the country in preserving their local
culture.

What are the subjects in this strand?

The Arts and Design Track intends to provide students with knowledge of the different arts
and design forms, materials, media, and production in the creative industries. This track will
also expose you to various influential artists and works across time and around the globe.
 When it comes to visual arts, it is other than painting. There is printmaking, architecture,
interior designing, photography, and film production. You will be equipped with different
media arts skills like animation, web design, or interactive mobile applications. Grab on that
mouse and learn how to use computer-aided design software like the AutoCAD, Google
Sketchup, Maya, Photoshop, 3ds MAX and VRAY.

The Arts and Design Track will offer you subjects on the principles of theater, music, and
dance. But you will not stop there too! You will also get to understand the concepts and
practical application of the skills in performing arts in both local and global setting.

What can I do with it after SHS?

Performative Arts
Music is not just for singers. Enhancing your skills in writing under the Arts and Design Track
can be your stepping stone in becoming a great song writer or script writers. You can also
make your own studio after taking subjects such as furniture arts, ceramics, jewelry and
clothing, costume, and set design.

Visual and Media Arts

Into cartoons and animations? Arts and Design Track will equip you with the right skills and
basic knowledge you can use as you explore the fantastic and fun world of media and visual
arts. This can land you a job in the fields of multimedia production, advertising, corporate
communications, graphic designing, filmmaking, photography, and desktop publishing.

How many students take this strand?

According to the DepEd data on the enrollment last September, there are 6,085
students who took the program.

 TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL LIVELIHOOD

If you are really not sure if you will be able to pursue any degree after Senior High or if you
want to earn money immediately after graduation, then this track is for you. Even without
college, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood track will equip you with job-ready skills in the
future.

This track also invests primarily on skills that can gain you requisite COCs (Certificates of
Competency) and NCs (National Certifications) which would be essential when looking for
better career opportunities in agriculture, electronics, and trade. This is also important when
applying abroad where the skills you gain would prepare you as you join the workforce.

Also, according to the Department of Education, the TVL specializations may be taken
between Grades 9 to 12. Exploratory Subjects at 40 hours per quarter are taken during
Grades 7 to 8.

 Agri-Fishery Arts Strand

The Agri-Fishery strand was designed for hands-on learning and application of skills
that are related to agriculture and aquaculture. You will be taking various subjects that are
 connected to other jobs such as food processing, rubber production, animal production, or
landscape installation.

What are the subjects in this strand?

At the Agri-Fishery Arts strand, you can familiarize yourself with the production industries of
horticulture, animal production, crop production, rubber production, slaughtering operations,
and pest management. You can also dive deep in the field of aquaculture and learn about
fish production, fish wharf operation, and food processing.

This curriculum aims to make sure that you are well-informed and well-prepared with the
basic skills and knowledge just in case you choose to work in farms or fisheries. You will also
undergo a Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies (PEC) assessment so you can enhance
your business management skills.

What can I do with it after SHS?

There are a lot of businesses you can start once you graduate in this track. You can open a
fishpond, be a rice thresher, or begin a small scale food processing enterprise. However, this
does not mean you can’t pursue college degrees anymore.

You can still take up courses on agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. After college, you can get
to careers such as development researcher, agriculturist, animal husbandry, or aquatic
ecologist.

 Home Economics Strand

What is the Home Economics strand?

The Home Economics track offers various specializations that can lead to livelihood projects
at home. This strand aims to give you job-ready skills that can help you in finding the right
employment.

What are the subjects in this strand?

Subjects in the Home Economics can also lead to National certifications based on TESDA
standards. You will be taking up courses on barbering, bartending, beauty care, bread and
pastry, caregiving, cookery, dressmaking, food and beverage, housekeeping, tourism,
handicrafts among others.

What can I do with it after SHS?

There are so many careers that you can explore after taking this strand! You can have a
future of becoming a baker, barista, makeup artist, barber, stylist, therapist, clerk, tailor, tour
guide, or chambermaid. Various business set ups are also into this track like dress shop,
beauty salon, coffee shop, bakery, snack bar, food cart, handicrafts among others.

This strand can also prepare you to college degrees on Hospitality and Tourism
Management, Nutrition, Food Technology, Culinary Arts, Business Education, or Interior
Designing.

 Industrial Arts Strand

What is the Industrial Arts strand?
Technological Livelihood Education subjects under this track are following the TESDA
curriculum so if you are thinking of taking any of technological-vocational courses, this is the strand
you should take. Industrial Arts will provide you the skills and knowledge on carpentry, automotive
servicing, driving, electronics repair, electrical installation, welding, plumbing, and tile setting.

What are the subjects in this strand?

This course offers different specializations from car mechanics to transmission line
installation. You should also expect subjects on domestic refrigeration and airconditioning servicing,
electrical installation and maintenance, power distribution line construction, mechatronics, and
masonry.

What can I do with it after SHS?

Look forward to immediate jobs after taking up this strand. You can work as painter, pipe
filler, welder, mason, pottery maker, shoemaker, foreman, or bag maker. If you got the guts and
capital to start a business venture, you can open a hardware, masonry shop, souvenir shop, or
building contractor. If you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in college, you can take up
industrial engineering, mechanical designing, applied technology, or mechanical engineering.

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Strand

What is the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) strand?

If you are computer-savvy or a technological freak, step right into the ICT strand. Under this
strand, you will be encouraged to utilize information and communication technological tools
to contextualize, collaborate, and create experiences for learning in this professional strand.

What are the subjects in this strand?

Under this strand, you can learn writing computer programs, illustrating, and designing
websites. You will also be taking up technical drafting, animation, and java programming that
would be essential if you are planning to work on creative technological field. Other subjects
in the strand are medical transcription and telecom installation which are relevant to the
telecommunications industry.

What can I do with it after SHS?

You can take different careers after taking the ICT strand. With the right set of skills and
knowledge, you can take a job as a call center agent, a web designer, a data encoder, a
radio technician, a graphic designer, or a junior programmer. You can also take up sales
positions such as online sales agent and IT sales clerk.

If you are planning to continue your studies in college with this as your strand, you can take
up electrical computer engineering, information technology, software and network
engineering!