SHS IMMERSION PROGRAM

ZENAIDA P. SAMSON

Filipinos commonly share the aspiration to have a comfortable life, free of hardship and worry. To fulfill this, average Filipino families strive to send their children to school, and ultimately to see them finish college and land gainful empl oyment .

The Department of Education understands that every parent wants his child to finish college. In the age we live in now, once can be a successful artist, designer, without having to finish college.

The DepEd, in helping make the Filipino dream of a simple and comfortable life more accessible for all, will be pushing the boundaries of learning further, starting with the four tracks being offered in the Senior High School (SHS) program.

Higher formal education is no longer today’s measure of success, moreover, of the capacity to provide and sustain a simple and comfortable life. These are choices which students can make when they are in high school.

If stories of [people in] sports, arts and culture being successful can be spread, respected and admired, more kids can be enticed to go into these particular choices.

Work immersion is one of the course requirements for graduation. A Senior High School student has to undergo work Immersion in an industry that directly relates to the student’s postsecondary goal.

Through work Immersion, the students are exposed to and become familiar with work-related environment related to their field of specialization to enhance their competence. Specifically, the students are able to: (i) gain relevant and practical industrial skills under the guidance of industry experts and workers; (ii) appreciate the importance and application of the principles and theories taught in school; (iii) enhance their technical knowledge and skills; (iv) enrich their skills in communications and human relations; and (v) develop good work habits, attitudes, appreciation, and respect for work. These prepare them to meet the needs and challenges of employment or higher education after graduation.

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The author is Teacher III at Sta. Ana National High School