The promise of successful careers in law and governance has always been an attractive prospect for students. And if you have a passion for politics and societal change, understanding what the best SHS strand is for political science sets the tone of your career. Whether it’s online distance learning in the Philippines or attending in-person classes, choosing the best track to pursue greatly influences your academic experience.
To help you decide, this article explores the ideal strand to take for political science. We go over the strands to choose from and what to expect from them. That way, you can gauge which one best fits your aspirations, pointing you toward an educational track that supports your goals.
But First, What are the Strands in Senior High?
The Senior High School (SHS) program in the Philippines offers several academic strands within the Academic Track. Each of these strands focuses on specific disciplines that cater to student’s interests and career aspirations. The strands include:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Emphasizes subjects related to the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.
- Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM): Focuses on business-related subjects, accounting, and management.
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS): Concentrates on subjects related to the social sciences, humanities, and liberal arts.
- General Academic Strand (GAS): Provides a flexible range of subjects, allowing students to choose electives from different tracks.
- Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL): Offers specialized subjects related to technical and vocational skills, preparing students to work for specific industries immediately after high school graduation.
These strands are part of the K-12 program’s efforts to enhance the quality of education in the Philippines by providing students with a more specialized and practical curriculum. It aims to better align them with their career objectives and the demands of the global workforce.
The Significance of SHS Strands
The strand you pursue for senior high school requires careful consideration as it determines the focus of your studies during the last two years of your secondary education. Understanding the guide to all strands in senior high helps you make the decision that shapes your readiness to work.
However, when it comes to political science, selecting the most fitting strand becomes an important step for those aspiring to start careers specifically within the field of legal practice and governance.
Exploring Options for the Political Science Strand in SHS
As a senior high school student contemplating a future in political science, learning the available strands is the first step into your future. And based on the strands mentioned earlier, there are two academic tracks you can choose between, the GAS and HUMSS strands.
The General Academic (GAS) Strand
The General Academic Strand is known for its flexibility, offering a diverse range of education and workplace potentials. While it’s associated with academic and research-driven courses and roles, GAS extends its reach into industries like corporate communications, medical technology, and journalism. So, it’s no surprise that it also serves as an excellent foundation for aspiring professionals working in politics.
A few of the core subjects in GAS related to political science are:
- Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics
- Philosophy
- Communication
- Technical English
- Creative Reading and Writing
- Media and Information Literacy
- Critical Thinking
With these core classes offered within the curriculum of GAS, here are the key advantages of enrolling in this academic track:
- Versatility: GAS opens doors to various career paths beyond academia, allowing you to explore roles in different industries. Since the track offers other general courses related to the arts, business, and mathematics, you can explore a broader range of courses to take in college in case you change career goals.
- Communication Skills: For court or trial lawyers, effective communication is an important skill. Being able to make and defend your case clearly and briefly is one of the key skills needed in political science. The GAS curriculum equips you with the ability to articulate ideas convincingly be it in and out of politics. The focus on reading, writing, and oral communication classes hones your English and Filipino language skills.
- Research Aptitude: Investigative skills are vital for careers in political science, especially if your goal is to become a lawyer, paralegal, or politician. Fortunately, the GAS program hones these skills, preparing you for the research-intensive nature of the political science industry.
Choosing the GAS academic track offers numerous advantages for senior high school students. And ultimately, your choice to enroll in GAS depends on your career aspirations. If you want an introduction to political science while keeping your options open for other career opportunities, the General Academic Strand is a great option for you.
The Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand
The Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand is a great program for senior high school because of its varying career applications. From psychology and geology to journalism and law, HUMSS provides a wide range of possibilities. For those who choose HUMSS as the ideal political science strand in SHS, this academic track is particularly appealing for its benefits.
For an overview of what to expect from the strand, here is the HUMSS course list:
- Communication
- Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics
- Philosophy
- Professional English
- Social Science
- Critical Thinking
- Philippine Politics and Governance
- Media and Information Literacy
- Creative Writing
Like GAS, the HUMSS strand also offers key advantages as your course of study:
- Societal Understanding: HUMSS, rooted in the study of societies and motivations, provides a strong background for those entering the field of law.
- Comprehensive Reading and Writing Skills: Essential for any lawyer, the intensive reading, writing, and comprehension aspects of HUMSS prepare students to navigate complex legal documents and craft persuasive arguments.
- Legal Comprehension: Lawyers must dive into countless case studies and legal digests. HUMSS students, through their extensive reading, build a foundation for understanding legal intricacies.
If you want a more focused education that goes deeper into the basics of social science, philosophy, and Philippine governance, HUMSS is a suitable choice. This academic track is dubbed as the lawyer strand in SHS because of its focus on understanding societies and legal matters, providing a solid foundation for a career in politics.
Which SHS Political Science Strand Should You Choose?
Choosing the right Senior High School (SHS) Political Science Strand involves thoughtful consideration of your strengths, interests, and future career goals. To help you make an informed decision, here are some steps to guide you:
- Self-Assessment: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses, both academically and in terms of skills. Identify subjects you enjoy and excel in, as well as those you find challenging.
- Career Aspirations: Consider your long-term goals. Do you aspire to become a trial lawyer, a legal consultant, or pursue a career in policy analysis? Research the specific skills and knowledge required for your desired career path within political science.
- Communication Skills: Evaluate your communication skills. If you excel in expressing ideas clearly and convincingly, this is an asset for roles like trial lawyers, legal consultants, or those involved in public speaking.
- Research Aptitude: Assess your interest and proficiency in research. If you enjoy digging deep into data and evidence, this skill is vital for investigative roles in political science.
- Strand Overview: Research the curriculum and core subjects of both the General Academic (GAS) and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strands. Understand the emphasis each strand places on communication, research, and analytical skills.
- Consultation: Seek advice from teachers, counselors, or professionals in the field of political science. Discuss your goals and preferences with individuals who can provide valuable insights into the demands of different strands.
- Stay Informed: Stay updated on changes or developments in the SHS curriculum. Be aware of any new strands or subjects that may align better with your goals.
Remember that your choice of an SHS political science strand is a personal decision. Consider your individual strengths and goals, and choose a strand that aligns with your interests while providing a solid foundation for your future endeavors in the field of political science.
Pursuing Your Political Future with OEd
Now that you know the two best strands for a career in political science, you can make a smart choice on which academic track to take for senior high school. Whether it’s the GAS or HUMSS strands, both can equip you with the fundamental skills and knowledge to pursue your aspirations in PolSci.
OEd SHS is your ideal online senior high school in the Philippines, offering high-quality education that caters to the broad interests of Filipino students. Our faculty of teachers are here to help the new generation of learners achieve academic and professional greatness no matter what field they choose.
Contact us today to learn more about our senior high school programs.
