300745-SRNHS

The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) track is designed for students who excel in scientific subjects such as math, technology, engineering, etc. The curriculum is practical and theoretical and includes subjects such as chemistry, physics, research activities, as well as calculus. This course prepares students for the advance level training in engineering and medicine, and provides with solid knowledge of scientific subjects applicable in future professions.

The STEM strand started with the passing of Republic Act No. 10533 Which is called the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. This law was written by Senator Ralph Recto. Became a law on May 15 2013. This law created the K to 12 Program in the Philippines. The K to 12 Program added Kindergarten and two more years of Senior High School. The goal of this change was to improve the quality of education. The goal was also to match education with what other countries do. The goal was to help students get ready for life work or more school. This change happened because students were not doing well in tests around the world. In the 2003 TIMSS students in Grade IV from the Philippines were ranked 23rd out of 25 countries. This showed that the science and math classes needed to be better.

Based on this DepEd Order No. 51 S. 2015 Officially said that Senior High School is the part of basic education. This part has two years. These two years are after four years of Junior High School. Students usually start this part when they are sixteen years old. Within the Academic Track, one of four tracks in Senior High School the STEM strand was created. The four tracks are Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports and Arts and Design. The STEM strand is one of these tracks. It is for students who want to study Math, Science or Engineering.

Since it started the STEM strand has become the popular one across the country. This is because it helps students go directly into engineering, medicine, IT and other science and math-related college programs. The classes in STEM are connected to the classes from K to 10. They also match what colleges expect. These classes are based on the College Readiness Standards. They also match the New General Education Curriculum, for Higher Education. These standards were made by the Commission on Higher Education. This way students can move easily from school to college.