You’ve finally made it. Congratulations on finishing Junior High! Now that you’re about to take the next big step, you should pause and think about what track and strand you must choose. You have to take into account important factors that will determine which track will be your “the one.” Yes, finding the perfect strand might also require you to shift gears, change pursuits, and realign your focus. How, then, do you know if you’ve found “the one” for you? Before you go on and on imagining scenarios about reaching your dreams, you must take the necessary steps first. To help you choose, here are the things you need to know about each SHS track and strand.

Senior High School Tracks and Strands

1. Academic Track

Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS). HUMSS strand centers on human life. This strand is perfect for those who want to explore culture, politics, and arts while keeping their options open. Also, if you have a deep interest in how the world and society work, HUMSS will help you discover more subjects that might pique your interests. These said, HUMSS is best for students who want to pursue Education, Mass Communication, Theater Arts, AB English, Political Science, and other related courses. 

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). STEM strand teaches the students about the basics of science, technology, engineering, and math. If you have a knack for making the world a better place through building prototypes, robots, analyzing numbers, and thinking of ways on how to make everyday life easier, then STEM is the right fit for you. With this strand, you can pursue BS Biology, BS Physics, BS Computer Science, and other related courses. 

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). If you’re still unsure and want to keep your options open, the GAS strand is for you. This strand includes courses related to all other strands. These said, you’ll have the advantage of exploring different interests you have in mind. GAS strand courses and subjects include Social Sciences, Disaster Preparedness, Humanities, and the like.

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! 

Steps on Choosing the Perfect SHS Track and Strand for You

If done with proper research, you might be able to choose the best track and strand for you. However, there are also some students who learn that they’ve chosen the wrong track the hard way. It’s either the track doesn’t fit their skills, they aren’t happy with it, or they’ve chosen it out of peer pressure. Indeed, choosing your “the one” is a tough decision to take. If you don’t want to make this mistake; your dreams, goals, and aspirations should be aligned with the path you will pursue. You should also consider your talents, skills, and passion. So before you fill out your SHS form, here are the steps on how to find the best track and strand for you. 

Step 1: Find your inner peace.

Yes, we mean it. Assess yourself. You need to know your passion, talents, skills, and strong points. Your best choice for a track and strand depends on these. It’s easy to get confused. But once you’ve identified these, choosing among the many listed tracks and strands will be a piece of cake. You can also make your dream job as your basis. Make sure your track choice is related to it. 

Step 2: Research. 

Similar to a research paper, you can use the Internet, read books, or interview people in your dream career field. You’ll find the latest info about the K-12 curriculum by doing these. Further, you’ll find enough sources to help you make the right choice from the array of track outlines. Others even offer free personality tests to help you find the track and strand that suits you best. 

Step 3: 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.

Step 4: Look for the best school that offers your chosen track and strand.

Have you finally made up your mind? Then it’s time to find schools that offer the track. Most schools now have adopted the K-12 program since 2018, so you won’t have a hard time finding your preferred track. However, you should enroll in a school that offers top-notch education. They can equip you with the right skills and knowledge to help you reach your dreams faster!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top paying SHS jobs for K-12 graduates?

Animator 

Average salary: PHP 39,786 

Track: TVL

Web Developer and Web Design

Average salary: PHP 38,201

Track: TVL 

Photographer or Videographer

Average salary: PHP 37,578

Track: Arts and Design

Content Writer

Average salary: PHP 23,600

Track: Academic 

Customer Service or Technical Support Representative

Average salary: PHP 31,826

Track: Academic

Search Engine Optimization or SEO Specialist

Average salary: PHP 29,595

Track: Academic Track

Graphic Artist

Average salary: PHP 22,294

Track: TVL

Programmer

Average salary: PHP 19,280

Track: TVL

What strand is Tourism in Senior High School?

If you want to become a flight attendant, take Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM) Strand.

What strand is Culinary Arts?

If you want to become a chef, take Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track

What track is Marine Transportation?

If you want to become a seaman, take Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Track.

What track should I take to become a lawyer?

Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS)

Reach Your Dreams with CIIT Philippines!

We offer CIIT Senior High School tracks and strands that will equip you for your future. Our topnotch education has allowed our students to become globally-competitive professionals who are at par with international experts. We help our students reach their full potential, discover their passion, and push them to pursue their dreams. Want to become like them? Enroll at CIIT Philippines now! 

Most of our graduates are now making significant changes in their respective fields. With that, we also offer workshops and seminars for graduates and professionals alike! Check out our Data Science Bootcamp this coming April 22 to April 24, 2020. 

TeacherPH | Edukasyon | Jobstreet

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