For the longest time, we have been accustomed to observing graduation ceremonies for every educational phase students finish such as pre-school, grade school, high school, and college. With the K-12 educational system in place in our country, “moving up” was introduced. Graduation and Moving Up – these we got to experience first-hand when my daughter graduated from grade school and my son moved-up from junior to senior high school.

graduation and moving up

Graduation

Graduation is the traditional end-of-school-year rites marking the accomplishment of a particular educational stage to begin a new one. This is the reason why the ceremony is called Commencement Exercises as commence means to begin. Graduates are awarded diplomas and wear the graduation attire known as the toga and cap.

graduation

This school year’s Grade 6 students are believed to be the last batch to graduate from grade school the traditional way. The batches that will follow are expected to move up to junior high school as provided by the K-12 system. The K to 12 Program covers 13 years of basic education with the following key stages:

  • Kindergarten to Grade 3
  • Grades 4 to 6
  • Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School)
  • Grades 11 and 12 (Senior High School)

ada's graduation grade 6

Moving-Up

In accordance with the K-12 system, Grade 10 students will observe the Moving-Up ceremony instead of the traditional graduation. This paves the way for their entry to Senior High School. It covers the last two years of the K to 12 program and includes Grades 11 and 12. During these two years, students will go through a core curriculum and subjects under a track of their choice.

moving up

These two additional years are expected to equip learners with skills that will better prepare them for the future, whether they choose employment, entrepreneurship, further technical/vocational training, or higher education. Completing basic education because of these 2 additional years may mean additional expenses although it is sought to be defended by the premise that graduates will be more prepared for the next step, whether it be to work or to pursue higher studies. The government offers the voucher program to ease the burden of expenses.

pio's moving up grade 10

For those who are asking if Senior High School is necessary, the answer is yes. Beginning school year 2016-2017, a student must go through Grades 11 and 12 to be considered a High School graduate. Those who choose not to are referred to as Grade 10 completers.

My Say

I am really hoping that K-12 will indeed benefit the students in making sure that they do not only end up as graduates but individuals who are ready to take on adult responsibilities and loving the career path they find themselves in by virtue of the academic strand they chose. We parents may tend to whine every once in a while with the increasing cost of education but we always find ways to support the studies of our children, no matter what. After all, we only want what’s best for our children so here’s hoping that the K-12 Program will measure up to expectations, if not more.

school awards