Is your child really prepared for college? Although most people think that graduating from senior high automatically makes a student college-ready, the numbers state otherwise.
The 2024 National Achievement Test (NAT) for Grade 12 results reported by non-profit organization Explained Ph showed that Grade 12 students across all regions and senior high school tracks had a Low Proficiency level and persistent learning deficiencies in key subjects. This led to a dismal national average score of 41.12, with only seven regions outperforming it.
With such a huge learning gap, what can incoming senior high students (and parents) do to ensure they don’t become another statistic? How can they surpass their peers academically?
One tried-and-tested method at Mapúa Senior High School (SHS) is providing students with holistic learning experiences. Guided by rigorous, college-level curricula, the school seamlessly propels continuous learning both inside and outside the classroom, allowing students to put theory into practice and fully immerse themselves in their studies.
While lectures and discussions anchor each course, it’s the hands-on training, research, student-led projects, and community initiatives that empower learners to truly “own” what they know. These hands-on experiences enable high schoolers to process lessons better and deepen their interest in various fields of study.
“They are being prepared by combining rigorous coursework with real-world experience so they are both ready for college and life beyond the classroom,” said Charlotte Pagcaliwagan, principal of Mapúa Senior High School.
Activities such as research collaborations, business simulations, robotics, leadership positions, clubs and organizations, and SHS Week enable learners to expand their knowledge and soft skills. These events also give students a foretaste of what it’s like to take charge of their education.
To reinforce analytical thinking and independence, Mapúa SHS students are given free rein to choose the special elective, discipline, or area of concern they want to focus on, with guidance from their teachers.
This strategy encourages them to think critically and creatively, lead effectively, and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. It also makes them more adept at handling complex or ambiguous problems, which is an essential skill for college.
Pagcaliwagan, however, clarified that despite the load and immersive hands-on learning, students find value and meaning in what they do. Students learn to embrace the rigor and challenging workload because they are genuinely interested in what they are learning.
To date, the school offers eight academic pathways that are aligned with university-level degrees. These include Arts, which covers Visual Arts, Multimedia and is offered only in the Makati campus; Business, which comprises Business Management and Hospitality Management; Communications, which takes up Broadcast Communication, Journalism, Pre-Law, and Social Science; Design which covers Architecture; Engineering; Fitness, which include Athletics and sports-related courses; General Technology, which take up Information Technology and Data Science; and Health or Medicine and Allied Health specializations.
In addition to the advanced academic tracks, it is the culture of discipline, integrity, and collaboration that sets the school apart from other institutions. Through its nurturing learning environment, students are trained to stay true to their principles and ethics.
“For the academic workload, we set clear expectations, but we also emphasize values. We have activities like hands-on work and teachers who will guide students throughout these challenges. There’s a balance of high standards and encouragement that will shape their confidence and adaptability so they’re prepared not just for college but for the real world,” added Pagcaliwagan.
To learn more about Mapúa Senior High School, visit www.mapua.edu.ph and begin your journey to a world-class, future-focused education today.
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