Curriculum for Senior High School (SHS) in Apayao Province to undergo transformation - SDS Irene Angway

Luna, Apayao - Within the next 5 years (2026-2031) the Curriculum for Senior High School (SHS) in Apayao Province shall have significant transformation to enhance educational experience, said Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Irene S. Angway during an interview with Guru Press Cordillera on October 15, pointing out the need to address identified gaps of the current SHS curriculum.

‘’One challenge we see in the current curriculum of our senior high school is the gap between theory and practice among students. We have so much theories in our Education system but lack in their practical applications. That’s why ‘We have formulated a 5-year Senior High School Development Plan that also aligned with the 10 point Agenda Development Plan of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr., to solve this gap and fit students’ skills and interests with these theories,” she explained.

The SDS was referring to one of the components of the 5-year Development Plan, the Contextualization of Curriculum to be offered to Senior High Schools across Apayao, which will likely fall under Humanities and Sciences.

‘’For example, in Luna we have several tourist destinations - there should be a particular offer, a specialized subject that will meet the student’s need. This means that students can choose electives across multiple clusters, allowing them for greater flexibility in their education and relevant opportunities, ‘’ Angway added.

Apart from the contextualization as the highlight, the plan includes training of teachers; involvement of diverse partners and stakeholders like the DOST, TESDA, LGUs, CHED, as well as private organizations; Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP) integration; Values; and Environmental conservation.

Currently, the planning team led by Dr. Angway is now on the second stage of the plan. They hope that by the School year 2026, a new face for the Senior High School curriculum shall be operational.