Manila: Public schools will begin implementing a 13-year basic education programme in June, senior officials said.
The move is aimed to improve competence of pupils in English, Math, and Science.
Carlo Dionisio, a school teacher and father of Mary Grace, 5, expressed fears that the addition of three more years to the country’s basic education programme could affect his family’s budget, but he said, “I agree with it since all levels in public schools are for free. Hopefully, it will make my child more knowledgeable.”
Congress approved a P238 billion (Dh19.8 billion) budget for the education department, including P2.4 billion (Dh200 million) for kindergarten education this year.
Dionisio’s child was among thousands of five-year old students who were admitted as early as April to public schools’ kindergarten. It is a requirement for her admission to Grade 1 the following year.
This year, the Philippines will leave behind Myanmar as the only country in the world with a basic ten-year basic education system, boasted Education Secretary Armin Luistro.
The new basic education system, called K-12 programme, includes a year in kindergarten, six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school and two years of senior high school.
Those who finished grade 6 last April, supposed to be the last tier of primary education in the old system, will proceed to Grade 7, not to first year high school as customarily done in the past.
In 2016, the education department will introduce Grade 11 in public schools. In 2017, grade 12 will be part of the curriculum in government-run schools.
Grades 11 and 12 are equivalent to two years of college education. The new basic education is a requirement for those who are seeking job abroad, said Luistro. He said “The new programme is designed to meet the fast-changing demands of society.”
Teachers will be trained to teach grades 11 and 12 this year, after the completion of the curriculum for the two new levels.
Public schools will use 12 languages such as Tagalog, Iloko, Kapampangan, Pangasinense, Bikol, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Waray, Maguindanaoan, Maranaoan, Tausog and Chavacano as a medium of teaching in places where these languages are spoken, City schools division administrative officer, Atty. Augustin Laban III, told the Philippine Information Authority (PIA).
Former Education Undersecretary Miguel Luz predicted earlier that the government will need additional P100 billion (Dh8.3 billion) in five years for the government’s new basic education programme.
Private schools have long included kindergarten as a requirement for entry to Grade I. Additional two years for high school will also be included in the curriculum of private schools, the department of education said.
