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By Katrina C. Guevarra, Special to The Manila
Times
Many of those who enroll in science high schools
think that their playing days are over, said Angelita Parcon, head
of the Math department of Manila Science High School. They’re
quite right. For they are in school 12 hours a day, with only one
break period.
Yet, year after year, thousands of elementary
school pupils still dream of going to prestigious science high
schools, particularly Philippine Science High School and Manila
Science High School. They know that a great reward awaits them after
four years of hard work in these elite schools.
A good school always has good teachers. Dr.
Filma Brawner, executive director of the Philippine Science High
School (called “Psci”—pronounced “Pee-sigh”—by teachers,
alumni, and students), told The Manila Times that the screening
process for instructors is so rigorous the school gets only the
best. “We have a process and [we] insist on certain requirements
for a teacher or faculty to be qualified to teach here.”
Teachers aren’t exactly required to have a
doctorate or a master’s degree. But they must—and this
distinguishes Psci teachers—“be very good at content” to get
hired.
“Oftentimes, the instructors have pure-science
degrees. I think they are also motivated to take up further studies
because we want them—we encourage them—to obtain masteral or
even doctorate degrees,” said Brawner. Graduate degrees earn Psci
teachers bigger points for promotion.
In their first two years at Psci, teachers are
treated as probationary employees. They win permanent status after
proving their excellence and competence at the end of the probation
period.
“We also give them opportunities for
professional growth at this point. They can have a Psci scholarship,
or they could look for their own scholarships. We allow them to
attend training programs and seminars and such things,” Bawner
said.
Rigorous tests and screening
In screening students, the Philippine Science
High School is similarly rigorous.
“First of all, an applicant must have the
aptitude for Science and Math. This is determined in the screening
process which includes a thorough [evaluation of] scholastic
aptitude. The test weeds out those who don’t have the potential
and capability to succeed in Science, Math, and Technology. Second,
apart from aptitude, they must be found to possess the
characteristics of a ‘science person.’ We are able to determine
those who are,” Brawner said.
She is proud of Psci graduates for their
competitive edge acquired from a curriculum heavy on research and
the sciences when they were still students.
“It [curriculum] is very much advanced. They
[as students] go into a lot of activities such as competing in
science fairs and other events that develop their skills. Outside
the classroom, they all have to participate in activities that are
related to their lessons,” Brawner said.
Cultural, spiritual developments
Psci teachers are also reputed experts in
motivating students.
Brawner cited the school’s “strong guidance
programs, instructional support materials—computers and Internet
connections.” The students also are not made to spend all their
time in Math and Science lessons and research.
And because Philippine Science High School is a
complete high school, the students are taught music, the arts and
even dancing. The school, Brawner said, also fosters tolerance.
“We see to it that we teachers respect every student’s faith.”
300 in out of 1,473
The Manila Science High School continues to
motivate its students even after final examinations are over, said
Salud Sabado, the school’s principal.
After screening applicants, the best among them
are chosen for possible enrolment. “But they have to meet the
grade requirement to qualify to take the written test. For this
year’s incoming first-year batch, 1,473 took the entrance exams
but we could only accommodate at most 300. So we set a cut-off
score,” Sabado said.
Teachers are also pushed to excel. “Teachers
are encouraged—pushed really—to attend seminars and take up
further advanced studies,” she added. Most teachers, Sabado said,
prefer to stay on at Manila Science until their retirement.
Manila Science High School also holds fairs with
other government science high schools and private schools.
Sabado is proud of the school’s achievements
in local and international events.
She said Manila Science topped the National
College Aptitude Examination for two consecutive years, and also the
National Achievement Test. Last year, its Math representative sent
to India won two awards, one gold and one silver. Also in last
year’s Math Challenge for private and public schools nationwide,
its two representatives emerged as champions.
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