DepEd unveils revamped senior high curriculum—Goodbye strands?

The Department of Education (DepEd) has released a draft of the revised Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, inviting public feedback until April 11, 2025. This initiative aims to address longstanding concerns about the current curriculum's complexity and its effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.​

Key Changes in the Proposed Curriculum

One of the most significant proposed changes is the reduction of core subjects from 15 to five, consolidating various disciplines to streamline learning. The proposed core subjects include:​

• Effective Communication/Mabisang Komunikasyon: Integrates all language and communication subjects.​

• Life Skills: Combines personal development and physical education components.​

• General Mathematics: Merges previously separate math courses.​

• General Science: Integrates Earth and Life Sciences with Physical Science.​

• Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino (History and Philippine Society): Combines history, culture, and societal studies.​

This restructuring aims to provide students with a more cohesive and focused educational experience. Subjects not included in the core will be offered as electives, allowing students greater flexibility in tailoring their education to their interests and career aspirations. ​

Elimination of the Strand System

The draft curriculum proposes removing the existing strand system, which categorizes students into specific tracks such as Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, and Arts and Design. By eliminating these rigid divisions, DepEd seeks to offer a more flexible framework that enables students to select subjects aligning with their individual goals and the demands of the job market. ​

Rationale Behind the Revisions

DepEd's review identified that the current SHS curriculum is "overly fragmented, with too many subjects, limited elective options, and inadequate instructional time." The proposed changes aim to address these issues by streamlining subjects and ensuring that student options are "stackable and seamless." ​

Public Consultation and Implementation Timeline

DepEd is actively seeking input from educators, students, parents, and other stakeholders to refine the proposed curriculum. The consultation period is open until April 11, 2025, and feedback can be submitted through DepEd's official channels. ​

The department plans to pilot the revised curriculum in selected schools during the school year 2025-2026. Based on the outcomes of this pilot phase, a broader implementation is anticipated in the subsequent academic year. ​Stakeholder Engagement

DepEd has been conducting consultations with private schools, technical vocational institutions, industry partners, and other government agencies to gather feedback and recommendations for refining the SHS curriculum. These engagements aim to ensure that the revised curriculum meets the needs of both learners and the labor market. ​

Looking Ahead

DepEd's initiative to revise the SHS curriculum reflects its commitment to enhancing the quality and relevance of education in the Philippines. By streamlining subjects, removing rigid tracks, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders, the department aims to produce graduates who are better equipped for employment and further education.​

Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public consultation process to help shape an educational framework that aligns with the evolving needs of society and the economy.

Sources:

• https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/07/2434201/no-more-strands-deped-opens-new-draft-senior-high-curriculum-feedback 
• https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/941833/deped-opens-consultation-for-revised-shs-curriculum/story/ 
• https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/04/09/deped-urges-stakeholders-to-join-public-consultation-for-strengthened-shs-curriculum/
• https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/01/20/deped-continues-to-engage-stakeholders-industry-partners-to-make-shs-graduates-future-ready/