The Philippines is home to various educational institutions offering quality education across various academic programs. Because of the many options available, deciding on an academic path can be daunting for students. This part is especially true for those unsure of what they want to do in the future.
One way to narrow down your choices is by looking at the different types of academic strands offered in the country. Since implementation of the K-12 learning system in the Philippines, there are four strands that students can choose from following various interests and skills. Below is an overview of each strand to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Accounting, Business, and Management Strand (ABM)
The Accounting, Business and Management (ABM) strand is designed for students who want to pursue a career in business or entrepreneurship. Students under this strand are expected to be competent in various business-related subjects, such as economics, accounting, and marketing. Those who wish to take up this strand should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be analytical and good with numbers. However, this program is also open to those who aspire to improve their skills in the said study areas. According to surveys, about 46 percent of studies choose this strand by personal choice. Since it is one of the most popular strands, it is available in almost all public and private schools.
Graduates of this strand can find careers in various industries, such as banking and finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship. They can also opt to further studies in business-related courses in college. So, if you’re interested in a business career, the ABM strand might be the right choice for you.
Humanities and Social Sciences Strand (HUMSS)
If you take an interest in social issues, current events, and other people-centered topics, then the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand might be the best fit. This program provides a strong foundation in the humanities and social sciences, which can lead to various college degrees and careers. These include communication arts, sociology, psychology, and political science.
Students in this strand are expected to be competent in communication, both verbal and written. They should also have critical-thinking skills and the ability to analyze different perspectives. Those who wish to pursue a career in law, teaching, and public service may find this strand interesting.
But even if you’re not planning to pursue a college degree in the humanities and social sciences, the knowledge and skills you’ll acquire from this strand will still be helpful in various fields. For instance, effective communication can be an asset in marketing and sales. This strand is a versatile program that can open up many student opportunities. When you choose this strand, you can expect to learn a lot about people and the different issues that affect them.
General Academic Strand (GAS)
The General Academic Strand or the GAS is an educational path that provides a general overview of various academic disciplines. It is well-designed for students who are still unsure of which strand or track to take in senior high school. GAS subjects focus on helping students get exposure to various academic areas. These include English, Filipino, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
This program is perfect for those who want to explore different fields of study before deciding on a particular college course. Students under this strand are also expected to be competent in communication and interpersonal skills. They should also have good critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The GAS is a good foundation for any college course that you might want to pursue. It also allows students to learn more about themselves and determine their strengths and interests. With this, they can choose the strand or academic program that best suits their skills and aspirations.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Strand (STEM)
As its name suggests, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand gives students a strong foundation in various scientific and mathematical disciplines. This program is suitable for those who wish to pursue a career in engineering, mathematics, or any of the sciences.
This curriculum prepares students for fields that require a higher understanding of mathematics and the sciences. It also develops their analytical and critical-thinking skills. Those who wish to pursue a career in research or teaching may find this strand interesting.
The STEM curriculum is challenging, but it is also advantageous. Graduates of this program often go on to successful careers in various fields. They are also in high demand in today’s job market. By pursuing this strand, you can expect to gain knowledge and skills that will be valuable in many aspects of your life.
Choosing the right strand for your education is an important decision. It can determine the course of your future career. With so many options available, deciding which is best for you can be difficult. But by understanding the above educational strands, you can narrow down your choices and make the best decision for you.
