Pisay airs plans for incoming school year

Amidst the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS) has promulgated its arrangement for school year 2020–2021, considering the social distancing protocols strictly implemented by the Department of Health (DOH).

In a virtual presser, PSHSS Executive Director Lilia Habacon said that “a new curriculum is not being prepared, based on what the school can deliver, having two options or modes — flexible learning, and online learning.”

Halving the total population, only 50% would have classes for one month under the flexible learning, while the other half would attend school after them.

Habacon clarified that this type of learning would not be the typical lecture-type of classes.

“We would use this time to clarify the things the students didn’t understand while having online learning. The things that they did not understand, they could ask the teachers during the flexible learning,” she added.

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato de la Peña, in the same presser, stated that he believes the time teachers and students face each other should not be that long, as he has approved PSHSS’s plans.

With online learning, students may get printed materials from the PSHS campuses, as these materials can be reviewed at home, wherein they may also inquire from the campus if these materials could be delivered to them.

In crafting the new curriculum, Habacon said they considered what could be the most essential for the students in terms of readiness for college.

Meanwhile, a Bridging Program will be held in August, as the next school year will start on August 24, Habacon said.

Students are advised to enroll in PSHS campuses near them, as Parents and students will be oriented on the requirements, and how the new learning methods would be done. The students should always be protected,” she added.