University of Mindanao Introduces Senior High school Program for K12 Implementation

A curriculum focused on citizenship education is the primary thrust of the University of Mindanao’s Senior High school program that is set for implementation in 2016.

The program will not only focus on preparing the student for a career after they progress from Grades 11 and 12, but to also develop their consciousness as a Filipino citizen by integrating good citizenship models into the curriculum.

This includes making the student aware of their rights and duties, privileges, concerns, and capacities as a Filipino citizen, while at the same time developing their academic preparedness, employability, entrepreneurship capabilities, and mobility in academics should they decide to pursue a college education.

“We want that there are values elements in our career development,” said Ronald V. Amorado, vice president for academic planning and services of UM.

He added that the program is operating on the theme of “Mabuting Mamamayan, Magandang Kinabukasan” in order to encourage students to seek brighter prospects.

“While our program ensures that the student is employable after graduating from Senior High school, we still encourage them to take up college education,” added Amorado.

Among the features of Senior High school framework are the Track Courses and Brand Courses.

Track courses are contingent upon the skills a student is assessed to have upon graduating from Junior High school; and have options of either technical-skill development, or education development.

Brand Courses meanwhile are subjects exclusively offered by UM as add-on credentials.

The University of Mindanao also issues internationally-recognized certificates upon courses finished as early as Grade 11, and includes certificates in the sectors of hotel and restaurant management, computer science, and information technology.

Also, under the K-to-12, students coming from public schools are applicable to avail of financial assistance from both the national and local government should they pursue their senior high school education.

The Senior High School program framework was shown to representatives from different public and private high schools, which included the Davao City National High School, F. Bangoy National High School, Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Carmen National High School and Digos National High School.

Dr. Nestoria Limosnero, Regional TLE/TVE Coordinator represented the DepEd Regional Director, Dr. Gloria Benigno graced the event with other education supervisors from DepEd Davao City Division.

“We really encourage students to apply to schools such as UM, where they have these track programs, so students can really know which direction they are headed,” said Evangeline Manguilimotan, head teacher VI of the Davao City National High school.(Isa Petalcorin)