Unraveling a Six-Point Determinant: Baseline Data for the Development of the Senior High School Curriculum

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to determine through internal and external assessment the baseline data for the development of the Senior High School (SHS) Curriculum to be offered by St. Mary's College, Quezon City. Internal assessment included stakeholder capacity, which is related to financial capacity, and course preference of the clientele; the enrolment projection which can be sourced out through retention rate; and the school's absorptive capacity. External assessment was applied to gauge market realities through the alumni's career profile. Data gathering procedures comprised documentary analysis, inspection of school facilities and administration of survey questionnaires. Data garnered was analysed utilising frequency, percentage and ranking. Findings revealed that Grade7 and 8 families belong to average income households; the approximate retention rate of Grade 6 pupils is 70.00%; the top five career choices of Batch 2005-2008 are in the areas of Science, Humanities, Management, Engineering and Education; the absorptive capacity of the institution for the incremental SHS enrolment is 900 with 450 students each in Grades 11 and 12; the top five course preferences of the 389 students are Engineering, Sciences, Management, Humanities and Arts; and majority of the 219 parent respondents (137 or 62.56%) have not yet identified the track they prefer for their children while 74 (33.79%) prefer courses under the Academic Track.