DepEd Baguio city sets science class Time entrance examination for SY 2018-2019

FOR the past decades, there were only two public secondary schools in the City of Baguio which were offering Engineering and Science Education Program (ESEP type A) Curriculum or the so called science class, and these are: Baguio City High School (BCHS) and Pines City National High School (PCNHS). But last year, the Division Office decided that all incoming grade 7 who will pass the science class entrance examination starting SY 2017-2018 will now enroll at the new Public High School at Irisan. The reason for this is to have a wider space for the science class to stay, and to decongest the two pioneer schools from a high number of students per classroom. Only those students who started their science class last SY 2016-2017 at BCHS and PCNHS are allowed to stay and finish their ESEP curriculum on the year 2020, until then the two mentioned school will no longer offer ESEP curriculum.

The new home of the Baguio Science Class is the newly established Baguio City National Science High School at Purok 12, Irisan, Baguio City, near the Philippine Science High School. It will start accepting applicants for the entrance examination for SY 2018-2019 starting January 29 until March 8, 2018. It will also conducts its 1st screening examination on March 10, 2018, and the final exam for those who passed the 1st screening will be given by the Dep-Ed Regional Office on April 14, 2018.

Only the incoming Grade 7 with a third grading grade of at least 85 for math and science, and not lower than 80 for the other subjects with a general average of 83 are qualified to get the entrance examination. Students who will pass the final exam will be having an enhanced subject in science and math with an additional research subject in every grade level. They also have a required grade to maintain through-out their studies under the science curriculum in-order not to be out of the program.

Aside from having an enhanced curriculum which is a preparation for the Science and Technology. Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) strand in the Senior High School, all students in the science class of the ESEP public schools in Baguio will receive a monthly allowance from the city government. Edward C. Vicente TIME: one of the many dimensions that exists in our universe. It can go forward, but never back.

When it comes to learning, time matters! An individual simply cannot advance in any given area of study without committing a certain amount of time to grasp new content, practicing and honing skills, and then harnessing knowledge and skills to realize specific aims. Think of the chess master who plays match after match to improve his game or the scientist who toils long hours in her/his laboratory to unlock the mysteries of an intricate phenomenon. For them, becoming more adept in their chosen field results, in no small part, from the time they invest.

How can more time in school lead to more learning and, by extension, greater success in life? Adding time to the school day and/ or year can have a meaningful positive impact on student proficiency and indeed, upon a child’s entire educational experience. Such enhancement can be especially consequential for economically disadvantaged students, who tend to enter school trailing behind their more affluent peers academically, continue to lag as they proceed through each grade, and have fewer opportunities outside of school for learning. For these millions of students, more time in school can be a path to equity.

Hence, expanding school time when planned and well implemented may benefits both students and teachers; More engaged time in academic classes, allowing broader and deeper coverage of curricula, as well as more individualized learning support; More dedicated time for teacher collaboration and embedded professional development that enable educators to strengthen instruction and develop a shared commitment to upholding high expectations; and more time devoted to enrichment classes and activities that expand students’ educational experiences and boost engagement in school. Novilyn N. Basilio