Local Studies

Senior High School Guide: Choosing the Right Track and Strand

Author: Patriz Biliran

Year published: September 10,2018

The K-12 is a relatively new program here in the Philippines if you compare it with our neighboring countries.
For students to move into college or the university level, they must undergo junior (Grades 7-10) and senior
(Grades 11-12) high school level in order to be given a diploma. A certification is given during junior level but
finishing senior high level certifies and validates that a student is qualified for college.

Going into senior high school, students must choose a strand and track they would like to take for the next two
years in their senior high school life. There are different strands and tracks students can choose from which can
also help them choose a course they might want to take in college. Given that this is a big decision, a lot of
thinking must be done when deciding. Here is a basic guide that can help you choose the right academic track
and strand.

Academic Track

The Academic Track is for those who have already and surely decided to pursue a college education after senior
high school; basically, it helps you in your journey going to college because of its subject specialization. Under
this track there are four strands you choose from:

1. HUMMS– First is the Humanities and Social Sciences or HUMSS. HUMSS is the strand for students
who wish to go into college with the following courses: Political Science or International Studies,
English or Filipino Literature, Mass Communication, Education, Performing Arts and other related
courses.
2. STEM– The next strand is the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math track or also known as
STEM. STEM is the strand for students who wish to go into college with the following courses:
Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Studies, Information Technology and so on and
forth on the related courses. This strand is a very hands-on type of experience that would be good for
students who have firmly decided their future college course and profession.
3. ABM– The third is the Accounting Business and Management or ABM. ABM is the strand for students
who wish to go into college with the following courses: Human Resource, Tourism, Hotel and
Restaurant Management, Accounting, Business Studies, Marketing, Real Estate, Export Management,
Entrepreneurship and other related courses in this path. This is definitely a suggested strand for those
who have their eyes set on creating a business in the future or working in the business sector.
4. GAS– And the last strand in the Academic track is the General Academic Strand or GAS. Now if you
have some uncertainty or confusion in your mind on what specific path you would want to take, then
GAS is the strand offered in this track. What makes this good is that the courses offered here are
encompassing; meaning in all fields. The things that one can learn in this can help your uncertain mind
explore your possible college options. To simply put, this strand is for all courses in college.
TVL Track

Our next track is the Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Track. The subjects on this track focus on practical
knowledge and job-ready training. Once you take and finish a strand on this track, you will be given the
TESDA National Certificate. If your goal is to work immediately or be eligible for certified jobs after senior
high school, this track is perfect for you. Finishing any strand from this track gives you skills that are
considered and accepted to qualify you for work. There are also four strands on this:

1. Agri-Fishery Arts Strand– The first strand under the TVL Track is the Agri-Fishery Arts Strand. The
skills taught here are those that can be used in the agriculture and aquaculture field. Examples of lessons
to be learned are rubber production, food processing, and such.
2. Home Economics Strand– It focuses on teaching you skills that can be useful in livelihood projects.
Professions that can be considered after taking this stand are stylists, makeup artists, tour guides, barista,
baker, etc.
3. Industrial Arts Strand– The third strand is the Industrial Arts Strand. When you want to know about
carpentry, electrical repairs, driving and welding, the Industrial Arts strand offers a good curriculum.
4. ICT Strand– Lastly, the Information and Communications Technology Strand, basically if you are tech
and computer-savvy then you’d love this strand. Professions that can be considered after this stand are
as a graphic designer, encoder, web developer and designer, call center agent, sales agent and such.
Arts and Design Track

The next track is the Arts and Designs Track. It provides students the know-how on the different arts and design
forms, materials, media, and production in the creative industries. If you think you would want to have a job in
the art field then this track is good for you. It has a curriculum catered to enhance and encourage your creativity.
It is a good platform to express yourself. Concepts around the globe will be taught to you to make you more
immersed and competitive in this field. If your interest falls under music, theatres arts, photography, fashion
design, and such, this is the advisable track for you.

Sports Track

And the last track is the Sports Track. If you excel in sports, whatever it may be, then you would enjoy it here.
You will be able to learn concepts on positive attitude, teamwork and competitiveness because this teaches you
about how sports management and leadership work in this type of setting. There will be subjects on human
anatomy and physiology, plus you will also learn first aid. Whether or not your end goal is to become a
professional athlete, trainer, P.E. teacher, instructors, game officials or anything under the field of sports, the
Sports track has a curriculum that equips you with the knowledge you would need to prepare you for the future.

Which Track is Best for You?

Now that you’ve been given a broad overview of the tracks offered in senior high school, it is time to get into
the process of decision making. What track would you want to take? To help you in this, ask yourself the
important questions. You may ask yourself the following questions:

“What are the subjects do I excel at and enjoy?”

Look back at the past few years you’ve had in junior high school and try to determine which subjects were you
good at and liked. By doing so, you are able to have a clearer image of what field you’d want to work in and
possibly, what specific profession or job you see yourself taking. For example, if numbers and computing is a
forte of yours, then you might want to consider taking STEM.

“How do I spend my free time?”

Your most liked subjects are not your only determinants. Think about what is it that you do when you have
some free time on your hands. Your interests and hobbies can also help in deciding what track and strand would
suit you best. You can be into sports, arts, music, inventing, and many more. These things you do during your
free time might actually be what you might want to do professionally in the future. As bizarre as this sound, by
connecting your interests and hobbies to your decision, you’ll have an easier time choosing. And you are sure to
find a track where your interests fit in.

“What do I want to be when I grow up?”

The most commonly asked question to any child, teenager and adolescent. Not all adolescents have a direct and
specified answer to this question which is okay; some people just need more time to discover their passion and
their vision in life. But if you do have an answer to it, may it be a specific position/job or at least a field you
want to work in, take that in consideration when choosing your track and strand. Ultimately, the desired
outcome is that your strand will be the bridge to your college course and eventually your profession.

“Have I done my research?”

Knowing yourself is good and all that but if you aren’t knowledgeable of what each track and strand entails and
offers, then there is a chance you might miss out on the best track and strand for you. Read about what the
course outline or content of the strand and track you’ve shortlisted. Do your research so that you have a well
backed-up-with-information decision.

“Have I tried asking for help?”

It’s always nice to seek out advice or opinions from different people, not just your parents and friends. Asking
for opinions can help you determine the track that suits you. Ask those who already graduated from senior high
school, they can provide you with very useful insights that will be of major aid to you. This would help you
broaden your perspective on each choice but slowly zooming in with the top choices you have and easily listing
down your likes and dislikes, and the pros and cons of each strand and track.

Now you are equipped with the information you would need in making an important decision. The next step is
to decide and prepare yourself as you move forward to another stage in your life.