ICYMI: DepEd Plans Fewer SHS Core Subjects In Revised Curriculum

It seems like Senior High School (SHS) students can look forward to a lighter academic load next school year. The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to roll out a revised SHS curriculum with fewer core subjects, aiming for a phased implementation beginning School Year 2025-2026.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the plan during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, emphasizing that adjustments are made to make education more effective and less burdensome for students.

ALSO READ: Should Classrooms Ditch The Decor? Parents, Teachers, And An Education Expert Weigh In

Less is More: DepEd Eyes Reduction in SHS Subjects

Under the revised Grades 11 and 12 curriculum, core subjects will be reduced from 15 to just 5-7. Angara explained that this shift will allow schools, especially in the private sector, more flexibility to offer electives tailored to their students' needs.

"We will only provide them the basic curriculum, and then it will be up to the schools to decide what they want to add, what electives they want to offer, etc., especially in the private sector. We will give them a lot of freedom," Angara said.

The phased implementation was initially planned for 2026, but DepEd is now targeting 2025 to begin the rollout. Angara acknowledged concerns from some schools about the challenges of transitioning to the new system, which is why the department is open to implementing the changes gradually.

"Actually, ang plano diyan 2026 pa i-implement 'yan pero tinatarget namin ngayon 2025. Although nakikiusap 'yung ibang mga eskwelahan na napakahirap daw no'n, so i-phase natin ang implementation. So tayo, open naman tayo diyan," he said.

He added that the revised curriculum aims to focus on "important subjects" like communications, Filipino history, basic math and science, computing, and life or soft skills. The rest will primarily consist of electives that students can choose based on their interests and career goals.

"Karamihan electives na. Pipiliin na ng mga bata 'yung ano talaga gusto niya," Angara added.

Teachers have expressed support for the adjustments. The updated curriculum is expected to ease the workload of both educators and students while better preparing graduates for employment and lifelong learning.

The move to reduce core subjects in SHS follows DepEd's broader efforts to streamline the K-12 curriculum. In 2023, the department launched the recalibrated K-10 curriculum, which reduced learning competencies by 70%, from 11,700 to just 3,600. The number of subjects was also reduced, with a stronger focus on building foundational skills like literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional development, especially for kindergarten to Grade 3 learners.

Angara highlighted the importance of ensuring that high school graduates are prepared for quality employment. "We have to make our high school graduates employable. And they have to go into quality jobs, not just ones that barely earn them a living wage or allow them to feed their families, but jobs that enable them to live a quality life," he said.

DepEd continues to consult with stakeholders, including private schools, technical-vocational institutions, industry representatives, and government agencies, to refine the SHS curriculum.

Click here to learn more about DepEd's revamped Kindergarten program under the K-10 framework.