What the New SHS Curriculum Philippines 2025 Means for Students & How to Prepare

Sat Sep 13 2025

The New SHS Curriculum Philippines 2025, officially known as the Strengthened Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum, comes at a crucial moment in Philippine education. DepEd revised SHS because of ongoing learning gaps, the need to make graduates more employable, and to ensure better alignment with higher education¹.
For students, this means the way you study, the subjects you take, and the skills you need are shifting. As part of iKnow Academic Hub’s mission to make academic preparation smarter and accessible, this post breaks down what has changed, what it means for you, and how you can prepare to succeed under the new system.

Key Changes in the 2025 SHS Curriculum

Here are the major reforms introduced under the New SHS Curriculum:

Change	Details
Reduced core subjects	Previously there were around 15 core subjects. Now there are only five core subjects: Effective Communication or Mabisang Komunikasyon, General Mathematics, General Science, Life and Career Skills, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino².
Adjusted strand or elective structure	The old model with four tracks (Academic, ABM, HUMSS, TVL) is being realigned into two main pathways: Academic Track and Technical-Professional (TechPro) Track. Students will choose electives grouped in clusters under these pathways, rather than rigid strands³.
Emphasis on foundational skills and fewer overlapping subjects	The curriculum aims to decongest learning, reduce overlap between subjects, and place greater stress on foundational skills such as reading comprehension, communication, critical thinking, and numeracy¹. Electives are designed to be more flexible, letting students focus on areas aligned with their goals.
Pilot implementation	It starts with Grade 11 in SY 2025–2026 in selected pilot schools. Full roll out for Grade 12 and for all schools follows after².

Implications for Students

What does this mean for you, as a SHS student?

Daily Workload and Subject Load
- Because there are fewer core subjects, your schedule may feel more focused. However, electives still demand effort, especially under TechPro or specialized clusters.
- With the electives, more responsibility rests on selecting what fits with your interests and future plans.
What Skills You Should Strengthen
- Mathematics and Science: General Mathematics and General Science remain core, so being strong in these helps.
- Reading Comprehension and Communication: With Effective Communication or Mabisang Komunikasyon being a core subject, both English and Filipino communication skills are key.
- Critical thinking, problem solving, life and career skills: These are explicitly part of the core. Being able to apply concepts rather than just memorize will be more important.
Strategic Elective Choices
- Electives now come in clusters. For example, Academic electives include clusters like STEM, Business and Entrepreneurship, Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Sports, Health and Wellness, and Field Experience³.
- TechPro electives include clusters such as Agriculture and Fishery Arts, ICT, Industrial Arts, Maritime, and others⁴.
- Choose electives that align with what you might want to study in college, or what career you might aim for.
Assessment, Grading, Immersion
- New guidelines for assessment under the strengthened curriculum introduce adjustments in how you are graded (core vs elective subjects)⁵.
- Work immersion hours may increase depending on track or specialization. Real world experience is more emphasized².

How to Prepare

Here are concrete ways students can adapt and get ready:

Good Study Habits
- Build strong foundations early. Do not wait until your electives begin. For example, keep up with math and science even if your electives are in business or arts.
- Practice reading and writing often in both English and Filipino to keep up with communication demands.
- Time management is key. Fewer core subjects does not mean easier. Managing your electives and merging tasks like projects and immersion work will matter more.
Use Supplementary Review Centers
- Places like iKnow Academic Hub can help fill any gaps, especially in foundational math, science, or language skills.
- Reviews targeting thinking skills, exam practice, and soft skills can give you an edge.
Leverage Digital Tools and Technology
- Online resources such as videos, interactive exercises, and apps can help make subjects like General Science or Mathematics more understandable.
- Utilize digital platforms for practice tests, peer learning, or simulations, especially for electives or immersion components.
Make Informed Elective Choices Early
- Talk to guidance counselors about your interests and your college or career plans.
- Explore the clusters available in your school. If your school lacks certain electives, plan ahead. You may need extra work or self study.

The New SHS Curriculum Philippines 2025 offers you a chance to focus on what really matters. Build foundational skills, choose what you want to specialize in, and prepare not just for passing but for succeeding. Yes, change can be challenging, but with the right mindset and tools, this new path can lead to stronger outcomes.

At iKnow Academic Hub, we believe smarter preparation builds stronger futures. We have tutorials, review programs, and resources specifically designed for the strengthened SHS Curriculum, so you can confidently take on your core subjects, choose the right electives, and be future ready. Join our programs today and get the guidance you need to succeed.

References

Department of Education (DepEd). SHAPE Paper on the Strengthened SHS Curriculum. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/SHAPE-PAPER-BCD-a_o-May-22.pdf
DepEd. DM 048, s. 2025: Pilot Implementation of the Strengthened Senior High School Curriculum for Grade 11 in SY 2025–2026. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2025/06/15/june-14-2025-dm-048-s-2025-pilot-implementation-of-the-strengthened-senior-high-school-curriculum-for-grade-11-in-school-year-2025-2026
DepEd. Strengthened SHS Program Overview. https://www.deped.gov.ph/strengthened-shs-program
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). New Senior High School Curriculum: DepEd explains how it will roll out. https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/new-senior-high-school-curriculum-deped-explains-how-it-will-roll-out
DepEd. DM 074, s. 2025: Assessment Guidelines under the Strengthened SHS Curriculum. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DM_s2025_074r.pdf

#DepEd 2025

#iKnow Academic Hub

#Philippine education

#Senior High School reforms

#SHS curriculum

#student preparedness

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