How to choose the right Senior High School track and strand

You must be a Grade 10 completer when you bumped into this article. Senior High School aims to prepare students before entering college, equipping them with the global knowledge, skills, and attitude needed to achieve successful career paths in the future. Finding the perfect strand requires you to shift gears, change pursuits, and realign your focus. 

As you embark on a new academic journey, it may seem intimidating at first, especially as you decide which strand to take, but finding the right one that best fits with your strengths and skills will surely help you land on your rewarding academic journey.

JMCFI SHS students

How important it is to choose the right track and strand in Senior High School

Your chosen track and strand in Senior High School will reflect on the subjects you will take. Your 2 academic years in SHS is designed for you to take specialized upper secondary education and you are required you to pick among different tracks upon enrollment.

These different tracks, strands, and specializations are intended for you to determine which paths could best match your strengths, passions, and skills. Choosing the right Senior High School strand will help motivate you for your future career.

Once you have chosen a strand you like, studying becomes more interesting. While you enjoy learning, it also expands your knowledge and skills, while at the same time, exposing you to your chosen field of study in preparation for college.

Senior High School Tracks and Strands

1. Academic Track

Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). The HUMSS strand is concerned with human life. This strand is ideal for students who wish to learn about culture, politics, and the arts while being flexible. HUMSS will also assist you in discovering new subjects that may tickle your interest if you have a strong interest in how the world and society work. HUMSS is recommended for students interested in Education, Mass Communication, Theater Arts, AB English, Political Science, and other related fields.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The STEM strand leads the students on the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is the appropriate fit for you if you have a talent for making the world a better place by constructing prototypes, robots, analyzing figures, and thinking of ways to make everyday living easier. You can study BS Biology, BS Physics, BS Computer Science, and other related subjects with this strand.

Accounting, Business and Management (ABM). If you’re dreaming of working in the corporate world, go for the ABM strand. This strand will help you become a business leader or an entrepreneur. 

General Academic Strand (GAS). Academic Strand in General (GAS). The GAS strand is for you if you’re still undecided and want to keep your choices open. This strand contains courses that are connected to the other strands. As a result, you will have the opportunity to pursue a variety of interests. Social sciences, disaster preparedness, humanities, and other areas are among the GAS strand courses and subjects.

2. Technical-Vocational-Livelihood Track (TVL)

Once you finish this track, you’ll receive a TESDA National Certificate. You can use this to pursue work right after Senior High School. With this, you’ll gain skills and knowledge that will prepare you for employment even without a college degree. 

3. Arts and Design Track

Pursuing your passion is one of the greatest joys in life. So, if you’re into arts and want to further hone your skills and creativity, this track is for you. In this track, you’ll learn subjects related to dance, music, theater, photography, media, and visual arts.

4. Sports Track 

Who would’ve thought? There’s also a track for all sporty students out there! If you think you excel in the field of sports and like to become a professional athlete or trainer in the future, then you must pursue this track!

Tips for choosing the perfect Senior High School track and strand

Research

You can use the Internet (or Mr. Google), read books, or interview professionals in your dream career field. You will find the latest information about the K-12 curriculum by doing these. Doing so will help you will find enough sources to help you make the right choice from the array of track outlines.

Know the subjects in each course

Browse through the list of tracks and create a shortlist. Do the subjects under your chosen track appeal to you? Do you think you’ll enjoy studying these subjects for the coming years? If so, then you might have found the perfect strand for you. Otherwise, go back to your shortlist and try other options.

Look for the best schools that offer your chosen track/strand

If you have you finally made up your mind, then it’s time to find the best school that offers the track. In experiencing quality education, you should enroll in a school that offers top-notch education. Choose the one that can equip you with the right skills and knowledge to help you reach your dreams faster! Jose Maria College Foundation, Inc. is one of the schools in Davao that offers assured, consistent, and quality Senior High School Education.

Author

  • Lord Vincent Van Mendoza

    Vince is the student publication adviser of The JMarian. His journalism experience includes being a student writer, an associate editor, and a chief editor in his collegiate publication. He is a licensed professional teacher (LPT), Davao event host and spinner, digital marketing specialist, trainer, keynote speaker, and writer. He is digitally known as the 'Digital Lourd' of Davao city, Philippines.