Students learn Chinese in new, special curriculum

By ANDREA CARMELA MUNDA

STUDENTS CAN NOW study Mandarin Chinese as a third language in a regional science high school in Ligao, the first of its kind in the city.

This was after Bicol Regional Science High School (BRSHS) got through qualifications and personnel training for instructional teaching for the said foreign language.

According to Secondary Schools Principal II Cristina B. Relleve, the Special Program for Foreign Language (SPFL) offers a chance to acquire skills that sparks interest in foreign languages and not only limit the learners of a science high school in the field of Science and Mathematics.

“I took the risk by considering the opportunities that might be given to the students once the program is implemented like giving scholarships outside the Philippines, and also for the school to widen the skill set we offer to the students,” Relleve stated.

Despite the green light for the enforcement of the said program, Relleve stated that she felt like she was “invited to ride on a boat then was left to swim on her own at the middle of the sea,” as she worries about the program dissolving in the future.

Relleve resorted to incorporating the Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) subject along with the SPFL-Chinese Mandarin subject in the schedules of the grade seven learners, resulting in having 10 subjects.

“If ever the SPFL will be dissolved, there will still be ICT which is crucial as it is one of the basic requirements or units in a science high school and they won’t be having any problems when they enter senior high school,” she explained.

Relleve hopes that the program will continue until the first batch graduates, as it offers many opportunities for the learners.

Meanwhile, students under the SPFL-Chinese Mandarin program shared their sentiments regarding the program.

Marie Vianney Guab says that the program has affected her in a positive way as it gave them a chance to learn another language aside from English and Filipino.

Teachers, namely Romejean Valerie Podrido and Carlenn Merinn, assigned to teach the SPFL students are qualified to take part in the Online Training Program for the SPFL-Chinese Mandarin Teachers, ensuring the quality of the students’ learnings. ■

Selected Grade 7 students embark on a transforming linguistic journey as the school launches the city’s first Special Program for Foreign Language (SPFL), allowing students to learn Mandarin as an enriching complement to their academic path.

Curriculum band-aid

THE HIGH SCHOOL recently announced a new curriculum, that claims to address the disorganization and unsynchronization of the current curriculum and subject offerings.

According to Chris John Rosamiran, STEM coordinator, the changes will integrate new subjects and adjust students’ schedules. Enhanced science and mathematics subjects will have reduced contact time, from five hours per week to four hours. Additionally, the number of subjects will increase from nine to eleven, with two electives added for science and mathematics.

More workload

While its intentions are commendable, the time reduction for core subjects raises questions about the depth of knowledge students can acquire. It also increases the workload with additional subjects and ele- ctives which add pressure and burden to already overwhelmed Brisayanos.

The inclusion of elective subjects such as Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Consumer Chemistry, Robotics for science while Math Investigation for math, without sufficient time and resourcescan risk of becoming superficial additions lacking practical application and indepth learning.

Not adding up

A strong foundation in core mathematics and science should precede investigative approaches. Rushing into this new elective without ensuring a solid mathematical base could danger student’s overall academic progress.

The current changes places undue pressure

Miss Earth visit brings city tourism into spotlight

LIGAO CITY TOURISM was boosted as Miss Earth 2022 candidates visited the city.

This was after showcasing the city’s tourist attractions and destinations to the candidates as the one of the hosts for the preliminary competitions of the said pageant.

Myla Monzon, tourism receptionist II, stated that hosting the pre-pageant activity for the candidates helped in the promotion of the city’s tourism in Ligao and the entire Bicol Region.

Activities such as Mangrove Planting and Rice Puto cooking are only a few that showcased the city’s tourism to the candidates. ■ on students, leading to burnout and diminishing their passion for learning. The consequences are not limited to short-term academic setbacks; rather, they extend to long-term repercussions that can hinder their personal growth, hinder their future prospects, and impede their journey towards becoming well-rounded individuals equipped to navigate the challenges of life.

After all, students should not be treated as vessels to be filled with knowledge but as individuals who require a balanced and supportive learning environment.

Reassessment

The hasty implementation of this new curriculum suggests a lack of comprehensive planning and consultation with stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. The focus seems to be on expanding the curriculum without considering the potential consequences for students’ mental health and overall well-being.

The administration must reassess its approach implement a curriculum that should empower students rather than burden them with additional stress.

The science elective subjects that will be ad-

BR scout represents Bicol in national scouting forum in Dumaguete

A BRISAYANO SCOUT proved his mettle as a scout as he represented Bicol in the National Scout Youth Forum at Dumaguete, Negros Occidental April last year.

John Rey Timog, was chosen to be a delegate of the region, after being elected as regional scout representative during the Regional Scout Youth Forum.

As part of the youth development program of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, the forum is an annual event made for youth participation in discussions through plenary sessions on various social issues and the scout movement. ■ ded are Environmental Science, Biotechnology, Consumer Chemistry, and Robotics, which will be readily applied next year while Math Investigation will be offered for math, in which the first batch will start with the incoming grade seven students.

For now, the school is conducting deliberate preparations, ensuring the organization of the program and students will continue to take their current subjects until the end of the school year. ■

PTA renovates restrooms to prioritize hygiene among youngsters

THE PARENT-TEACHER Association took the lead in launching the P200-thousand restroom renovation project in the school this year.

PTA President, Roberto G. Navera said the renovation project received the majority of votes from the school parents primarily because their top priority is the students’ health and hygiene.

With regards to the transparency of project funds, the officers made sure that they deliberated on the budget proposal, and frequently conducted assemblies to discuss the financial reports, making sure of the availability of funds whenever needed. ■