Introduction to STEM strand
K to 12 basic education curriculum in Philippines comprises of the following:
Elementary – Kindergarten, grades 1 to 6
Junior High School – grades 7 to 10
Senior High School – they have core subjects that introduces the following :
- Academic : ABM / HUMSS / STEM / GAS / Pre- Baccalaureate Maritime
TVS – Technical Vocational Livelihood ( Agricultural – fishing, Home economics, ICT, industrial
Arts, TVL, Maritime )
Sports
Arts and Design (deped.gov.ph)
As of the latest report, in an article dated January 31, 2023- the current K to 12 curriculum will
be revised, as important lessons are missing. The goal objective of this revision is to produce
competent, job-ready, active and responsible citizen. Having to develop lifelong learners who
are imbued with 21st century skills, discipline and patriotism. (Philippine institute for
development studies/ article link)
When did Senior High School strand start in Philippines?
It started in 2016, having the first batch of SHS diploma awarded in 2018 after completion of the
2 year program.
Objectives of STEM strand
This strand is designed to bring up Senior High school learners, Curiosity, Problem- solving
abilities, Communication skills.
What is STEM?
S = Science This is the strand most people choose if they pursue fields
T = Technology connected with the 4
It trains learners to be able to adapt their surroundings &
E = Engineering also acquire necessary skills which will help them carry out
M = Math task with ease.
Focused on these 4
It no longer treats the 4 as different subjects but as a whole
Science – observing, experimenting, making predictions, asking questions
Technology – being innovative, using tools, making things work, identifying issues, using computers
Engineering – solving problems, using materials, designing and creating building
Math – patterning, sequencing, exploring shapes, numbers, volume and size
Is STEM strand important? , answer: Certainly!
It creates new innovators
It is the main strand of people who work in the medical field, technological field, architectural
field, and all the fields that sprout from this.
It enhances the knowledge of the 4 focus subjects (science, technology, engineering, math)
It paves way for advancement and future discoveries
Advantage of being in STEM strand
1. It helps the learners foster creativity
2. Enhance more knowledge about the world and what is on and in it.
3. Learners become more knowledgeable person
4. Assist the learner understand the many concepts and learnings found all around in STEM strand
core.
5. It give learners the exposure on how they will work in real life according to preferred course
6. Build resilience- learners participates in all experiments & accepts failures
7. Teamwork is always in the group, must be why learners can find solutions to all task given.
8. Developed a habit of adaptation when things don’t go as planned.
After completing Senior High School program they will:
Developed a more sense of creativity & ingenuity which is essential in coming up with new ideas
and innovation
More prepared to experiment & open to risk
Able to apply the knowledge they’ve learned in everyday classes, scenarios, most specially their
future courses/ profession
Have the fundamental competencies that will allow them to excel their chosen courses & will
help them qualify for jobs in STEM strand
Possible College Courses under STEM strand:
Under Stem strand, learners continue to grow into the country’s future scientist, engineers,
programmers, and trailblazers with min their vocation. Below are the list of college courses:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Bachelor of science in Computer Science / Data Science
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology/ Information System
Bachelor of Science Mathematics / Applied Math
Bachelor of Science in Statistics
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
Bachelor of Science Health Sciences / Life Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics
Bachelor of Science in Food Technology
Bachelor of Science in Biology/ Biochemistry / Chemistry
Possible Jobs in the Stem strand
Plenty of opportunities both in employment and future higher education studies after
completing Senior High School under STEM strand. The following jobs will fulfill and have successful
careers when in STEM strand:
Pilot
Architect
Astrophysicist
Biologist
Chemist
Industrial engineer
Chemical engineer
Dentist
Nutritionist
Doctor
Marine Engineer
Question? How do I Know I choose the correct strand?
Answer: always remember that there is no right or wrong strand / tracks. Learners must choose the one
that they genuinely interested in or would like to pursue in the future. The strand you will choose will
help you provide the knowledge and skills you will need in college or future employment.
REFERENCES
**deped.gov.ph
**Philippine institute for development studies/article link
January 31, 2023
**www.nuffic.nl/en/education-system/Philippines/primary-and-secondary-education
**AMA university Online Education
Senior High School education 2021
Researchers:
Julia jaira p. sambaan
Kian
Luke
