"Exploring Bicol University College of Education Integrated Laboratory School-Senior High School"

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1. School Profile 

Picture : Torch of wisdom

Bicol University, situated in Legazpi City, Albay, Philippines, is a regional state institution of higher education that is coeducational and dedicated to research. It has additional campuses spread across Albay and Sorsogon provinces. BU has obtained ISO 9001:2008 certification, signifying its commitment to quality education.

Founded on June 21st 1969 under RA 5521, Bicol University stands as the leading state university in the Bicol region. Embracing its core values of Scholarship, Leadership, Character, and Service, BU has achieved SUC Level IV status.

Renowned for its commitment to excellence, BU is recognized as the Teacher Training Center for the Department of Education in the Region. Additionally, it serves as the central agency for the Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development and the Bicol Consortium for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development. 

Albay Normal School underwent a transformation and evolved into Bicol Teachers College, as stipulated by Republic Act No. 3502. This transition marked its elevation to a regional teacher-training institution, where it began offering programs such as the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSEEd) and the Master of Arts in Education (MAEd).

On March 7, 2008, BUCE achieved the distinction of becoming a center of Training (COT) for the DepEd Certificate and INSET Program, having met the rigorous criteria established by the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Education, and the Teacher Education Council. In 2012, BUCE was designated as the center of Training for the K to 12 Basic Education Program including Elementary (K-6), Junior High School (G7-10), Senior High School (G11-12) and was honored with the title of Best Unit within the entire Bicol University Campus.

Building : BUCE 

BU College of Education (BUCE) Integrated Laboratory School (ILS)–Senior High School Departement. This year, the school is led by its principal, Ma'am Teresa M. Abainza, Ed.D.

2. Academic Support System 

In the world of successful education, the academic support system plays an indispensable role. Similarly, BUCEILS-SHS, this school also has a variety of academic support systems that have proven to be a key factor in facilitating the academic growth of our students. In this context, let's delve deeper into the various forms of academic support that have been implemented at BUCEILS-SHS and their role in helping students achieve their maximum academic potential. 

 a. Student 

BUCEILS-SHS consists of two grades, namely grades 11 and 12. This track includes two strands: Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

b. Teacher 

BUCEILS-SHS has 17 SHS Teachers. Every teacher teaches according to their abilities and the field they possess. They are experts in their respective fields.

c. Curriculum

BUCEILS-SHS follows the K-12 Senior High School Program, which is a significant educational reform initiative in the Philippines. This program was introduced by the Department of Education (DepEd) with the aim of improving the country's education system. It achieves this by extending the basic education curriculum by two additional years of senior high school. The K-12 system encompasses a total of 13 years of basic education, which includes Kindergarten (K) and 12 years of primary and secondary education

The curriculum of the K-12 Senior High School Program includes a combination of core subjects and specialized subjects that depend on the chosen track and strand. Alongside academic subjects, the program places a strong emphasis on fostering 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities.

d. Academic Service 

For the Academic Support System. The university has OSAS (Office of Student Affairs and Services) for academic-related concerns and UHS (University Health Services) for medical support. The high school has a Guidance councillor to help students deal with various problems. School Clubs and Organizations also support student activities, such as training for competitions/Olympiads.

3.  Teaching System 

Education in the Philippines is currently regulated by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for higher education. Here is some general information about the education system at BUCEILS:

Basic education spans 6 years, starting from kindergarten to Grade 6 in elementary school. This is followed by secondary education, which consists of 6 years, with 4 years in junior high school and 2 years in senior high school. In 2013, the Philippines launched the K to 12 Program, extending basic and secondary education to 12 years. This includes an additional 2 years at the senior high school level to provide students with more skills and educational opportunities.

The medium of instruction in the education system at BUCEILS is Filipino (the national language) and English. Many subjects are taught in English. The Philippines has a strong education system, and English is the primary language used for all activities from elementary school to university level. The local language, Tagalog, is only used during Filipino language classes. Therefore, it can be ensured that many BUCEILS-SHS students can use English proficiently.

BUCEILS-HS has many activities organized by its students. Students at BUCEILS are very creative in conducting activities. These activities are to celebrate important days in the Philippines. During my observation, I witnessed the end-of-month celebrations and the celebration of the National Language Month known as 'Buwan Ng Wikang Pambansa.' Every student is skilled at expressing themselves through clothing and dance.

Picutre : Celebration of Filipino Language 

 

Additionally, BUCEILS-HS is located in the Bicol region, which boasts a stunning natural landscape featuring the active Mayon Volcano. On clear, cloudless days, you can get a full view of the volcano. During the night, you can witness the beauty of Mayon Volcano with its flowing lava. Despite its activity, this volcano, the region, is relatively safe due to the implementation of restricted zones that should not be accessed due to their hazardous nature. 

Picture : Mayon at night

Picture : Mayon at afternoon