Senior High School Strands in the PH: a Brief Overview of the Academic Track

The K-12 is an educational system implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) that is designed to equip students like you with the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve your academic and professional goals—whether that’s higher education, entrepreneurship, or employment. A key component of the K-12 program is the 高中 (SHS) level, where students specialize in a particular track or strand.
If you’re unsure what to take, read on to learn more about the senior high school strands in the Philippines under the Academic Track. This guide answers your burning questions about the K-12 system, including “what is a senior high school track?” and “which one best fits my goals and competencies?”

The K-12 and its Specialized Tracks

The K-12 system extends basic education in the Philippines from 10 years to 12 years, with the additional two years in high school (Grades 11 and 12) allowing students to specialize in academic, arts and design, sports, or vocational tracks to better prepare them for their chosen path. The primary goal of this program is to enhance the quality of education, make Filipino students globally competitive, and increase their employability.

The K-12 system offers four tracks at the senior high school level:

Academic Track: The academic track in senior high school is for students who plan to pursue college education after senior high school. Its strands cater to different academic interests and help guide students toward their desired career path.
Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track: The TVL track in senior high school equips students with practical skills and knowledge for specific trades or occupations.
Arts and Design Track: This track focuses on developing students’ artistic and creative abilities.
Sports Track: This track specializes in sports training and development.

Academic Track Strands

If you’re reading this guide, you might be set on taking the academic track and need help deciding on a specific strand. What are the senior high school strands in the Philippines and what careers do they potentially lead to?

1. Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)

The HUMSS strand is one of the most versatile and dynamic Philippine senior high school strands. Currently offered by Mapúa University’s Senior High School in Intramuros and Makati, this strand is tailored for those interested in liberal arts, social sciences, and education. It has four Humanities subjects and four Social Science subjects, as listed below:

Creative Writing/Malikhaing Pagsulat
Creative Nonfiction
Introduction to World Religions and Belief Systems
Community Engagement, Solidarity, and Citizenship
Philippine Politics and Governance
Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century
Disciplines and Ideas in the Social Sciences
Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences
HUMSS Culminating Activity/Work Immersion

Possible Undergraduate Courses

Here are some potential courses that HUMSS students can have in the future when they enroll at Mapúa University:

Department of Liberal Arts
– Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication
School of Media Studies
– 数字电影学士学位

– Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism

– 多媒体艺术学士

2. Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM)

Another strand under the academic track for senior high school is Accountancy, Business, and Management. The ABM strand prepares students with business acumen for finance and entrepreneurship. This strand is offered in both the Mapúa Makati and Intramuros campuses. It covers the following subjects:

Applied Economics
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
Fundamentals of Accountancy, Business, and Management 1
Fundamentals of Accountancy, Business and Management 2
Business Math
Business Finance
Organization and Management
Principles of Marketing
Work Immersion/ Research/Career Advocacy/ Culminating Activity i.e. Business Enterprise Simulation

Possible Undergraduate Courses

ABM students are crucial to keeping the economy running as they have analytical and problem-solving skills. Their entrepreneurial and mathematical mindset will serve them well when they enroll in any of the following programs offered by the E.T. Yuchengco School of Business in collaboration with Arizona State University:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics
Bachelor of Science in Financial Technology
Bachelor of Science in Global Management
Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Management
会计理学学士与商务分析理学硕士（ACMAN）
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with Masters in Business Analytics (BAMAN)
Master of Business Administration

3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

The STEM strand is made for students who are passionate about engineering, medicine, architecture, computer science, or other related disciplines. Both the Mapúa Intramuros and Makati campuses offer the STEM strand. Subjects include:

Pre-Calculus
Basic Calculus
General Biology 1 and 2
General Physics 1 and 2
General Chemistry 1 and 2
Work Immersion/Research/Career Advocacy/Culminating Activity
Earth Science
Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction

Possible Undergraduate Courses

Graduates of the STEM strand have a wide array of college courses to pursue, including:

4. General Academic Strand (GAS)

This strand is available in both the Mapúa Intramuros and Makati campuses. GAS offers a more flexible approach for students who are undecided about their specific career paths. It has a broader curriculum that covers a variety of subjects from the other academic strands, including:

Humanities 1 and 2
Social Science 1
Applied Economics Organization and Management
Disaster Readiness and Risk Reduction
Electives 1 and 2 (Subjects From Any of the Other Strands)
Work Immersion/Research/Career Advocacy/Culminating Activity

Arts and Design Track

For those who prefer a different route than what an academic track provides, Mapúa Makati also offers an Arts and Design track for students with a passion and talent for theater, music, dance, creative writing, visual arts, and media arts. The track encourages different forms of artistic expression and teaches students the competencies for further specialization. For example, some schools require students to undergo talent assessments to gauge their skills and creativity.

Arts and Design Track

Which SHS Track or Strand is Best for You? Here are the Factors to Consider

Deciding which strand or track to choose in SHS can be daunting. The pressure to make the right choice can hang over your head, but don’t fret! This decision is also an exciting opportunity for self-discovery and growth. Remember, every track and strand in senior high school offers unique experiences, perspectives, and roadmaps to success.

With careful consideration and research, you can make a more informed decision. Trust in your ability to know what’s best for yourself, seek guidance from mentors, and reflect on what truly inspires you. This journey is about finding your passion and setting the foundation for your future, so approach it with confidence and hope!

We’re here to help you make a solid decision. Here are some essential factors to think about in choosing your track in senior high school:

Interests and Passions

Reflect on what subjects you enjoy most. If you love crunching numbers or coming up with lucrative business ideas, ABM is right up your alley. Do you have a natural curiosity about how things work and want to explore scientific concepts? STEM could be a better fit. Having a clear and deep understanding of your interests can help you choose among the many senior high school strands in the Philippines.

Career Goals

Although you are still in senior high, the strand you choose will pave the way for your future college degree and career. Think about where you want to see yourself years down the line and pick a strand that can make that vision a reality.

University or School

Many schools, like Mapúa University, offer a wide range of tracks and strands but also specialize in particular undergraduate programs. Check what programs the school provides and what SHS strands are available for those courses. For instance, the STEM strand provides students with an early overview that helps prepare them for their chosen college degree.

Available Resources

What are the resources available at Mapúa University? Access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and extracurricular opportunities relevant to your chosen track can enhance your learning experience. Mapúa University’s strong programs in specific tracks or strands in senior high school will equip you better for future studies or careers.

Flexibility

Understandably, some students might still be unsure of which specific field to pursue. This is where GAS comes in. Students can dip their toes into a myriad of subjects while keeping their options open. Remember, the goal of the K-12 system is to allow students to specialize and focus on their desired field but not restrict them to just one path. It gives the freedom of choice.

By taking these factors into account—interests and passions, career goals, the university or school’s edge or reputation, resources, and flexibility—you can make a well-informed decision about which senior high school track or strand best suits your needs and future ambitions.

Set Yourself Up for Success with Mapúa

No matter what SHS strand you choose, Mapúa University offers a comprehensive range of strands under the Academic Track and Arts and Design Track. With a strong commitment to quality education, the 100-year-old institution helps shape students to become well-rounded individuals who can compete in the global job market.

Apply now and take the MPASS for free until March 21, 2025 to start your academic journey with Mapúa!

Senior High School Strands in the PH: a Brief Overview of the Academic Track