BONTOC, Mountain Province June 29 – The registration period for incoming senior high school (SHS) students at the Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School (MPGCHS), started April 4 to June 10, 2016. Enrolees underwent interviews and career counselling to make sure that they are enrolling the right Track and Strand that will prepare them for their career plans and to avoid failing and dropping out from school due to wrong career choices.
Most registrants who came from other schools came with different dispositions, some with eagerness, some half- hearted, some not- so- sure, some are very sure, some came just to inquire. It was quite amusing but very surprising that despite the intensive career guidance made in every school during the past school year, a lot were still confused and not well- informed about what is SHS. Some graduates of the old 4-year high school curriculum thought that they have to enroll in the current SHS program before they can enter college. The same thing happened to some who passed the ALS, who despite having enrolled in college but dropped out, was told to SHS. All those who already enrolled in college but dropped out, or failed some subjects, for some reasons were told that they already meet the requirements of enrolling in college courses under the high school program, and thus cannot be going back to the current SHS program.
For junior high school (JHS) students (Grade 11) were informed that in SHS, students can choose their career options from the Tracks & Strands offered and to watch out for the announcement regarding their schedules, uniforms and room assignments during the first day of classes. It was explained to the, that SHS may offer any of the four Tracks, if not all, depending on the availability of teachers and facilities.
For a start, MPGCHS offers two Tracks & Strands: Science & Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) strand under Academic Track & Home Economics (Bread & Pastry Production & Food & Beverages) and Industrial Arts (Carpentry Skills) under Technical Vocational & Livelihood Track.
JHS completers who intend to enroll are therefore limited to these strands being offered. For the start of this school year, the JHS will be temporarily housed at the MPSPC until the SHS building being constructed at the back of the Eyeb Gym will be completed by August this year.
By: Jacqueline A. Apil
