n Around the World -
Philippines
By Ara Caro
B
efore the Philippines implemented what we
now call the “K to 12 Education System” in
2012, it was one of three countries that still
used the 10-year education program prior to
its higher education. The 10-year program was com-
prised of 6 years of elementary school, formally star-
ting at the age of 6, and 4 years of secondary school,
formally starting at the age of 12.
Depending on the school, elementary education was
divided into primary school (grades 1-3) and middle
school (grades 4-6). Primary school had shorter
class times compared to middle school, as the latter
incorporated 2 or 3 additional subjects. On average,
students graduated from elementary school at the
age of 12 or 13, having passed the 6th grade. Stu-
dents were only eligible for graduation if they maintai-
ned a grade of 75% or above in each subject. After
receiving their diploma, a student would have had to
take an entrance exam to be able to advance to high
school.
High school curriculum also incorporated the 4 major
classes established in elementary school, but inclu-
ded a fifth major class called, “Araling Panlipunan,”
a history and economic-based course. The minor
subjects included in MAPEH remained, and subjects
like Values Education and Technology and Liveliho-
od Education were introduced. As a result of the ex-
panded curriculum, high school required more class
time, with each course usually lasting an hour. Class
times were also divided due to the large number of
students enrolling in public high schools. As such,
students were separated into two groups: morning
classes and afternoon classes. Morning class lasted
from early morning until noon, and afternoon classes
commenced after lunch until early evening.
Under the old educational system, Philippine parents
could elect to register their children for early educa-
tion programs. For children ages 4-6, it was optio-
nal to enroll in kindergarten, or “preschool” as it was
often called. Depending on the school or institute,
kindergarten constituted of 2 or 3 years, and classes
lasted for a half day. Some schools offered nursery
and preparatory programs in addition to kindergar-
ten, while others solely afforded kindergarten. Early
education programs taught toddlers basic math skills
and how to read and write in both English and Filipi-
no.
When a Filipino child reached 6 or 7-years-old, they
were eligible to enroll in elementary school, contin-
gent upon the school of choice. While the typical age
of admittance was 6-years-old, some schools often
required applicants to be 7-years-old to enroll in first
grade. The past elementary programs consisted of 4
major classes: English, Filipino, Math, and Science.
These were in conjunction with secondary subjects Philippine secondary education was composed of
which included MAPEH (short for Music, Arts, Physi- 4 years total. During the fourth year, students would
cal Education and Health).
apply to college and take any required entrance
exams. However, students would only be eligible for
Winter / Spring 2017 | ZEALOUSNESS MAGAZINE |