MGCNLCA Adopts Trimester Calendar for JHS, Implements Strengthened SHS Curriculum for Grade 11

High school students returning to MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) this School Year (SY) 2026–2027 will experience significant academic changes as the Junior High School (JHS) Department rolls out the Trimester System and Senior High School (SHS) Department implements the Strengthened SHS Curriculum for Grade 11 students.

After observing that the previous semester system often resulted in compressed grading periods and interrupted instruction, the Department of Education (DepEd) proposed the Trimester System to create a more learner-centered education system by improving lesson quality, reduce curriculum overload, and better prepare students for higher education and future careers.

Under the new Trimester System based on DepEd Order No. 009, s. 2026, the SY will now be divided into three instructional terms instead of four quarters. With fewer subjects taken at a time, students are given more opportunities to focus on each learning area, while teachers will be given greater flexibility in planning and conducting lessons. 

In addition, this system allows students more time for remediation and rest, along with more time to fully master their lesson, reducing academic burnout among students.

MGCNLCA expects a smooth transition as the school’s Lower and Upper Primary Year levels under the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme have been following a trimester calendar for the past few years. The school hopes to build on existing practices, including balanced pacing and continuous examinations as JHS adopts the same system. 

Under the new system, there will also be a dedicated exam week for final assessments of major subjects at the end of each term. Thus, there will be no regular classes during this week, allowing students to have dedicated study and revision sessions, along with guided exam readiness activities prepared by the teachers throughout the term. 

Following the new instructional terms, the first term will run from July to early October, the second from mid October to January, and the third from February to April. 

“Our goal is to help every learner transition successfully, reduce unnecessary anxiety, and foster both academic excellence and personal growth,” shared JHS Supervisor Karen Fulgencio. “For our Grade 7 students, who are adjusting not only to a new school calendar but also to the demands of junior high school, we will provide additional guidance and closer academic monitoring.”

Meanwhile, the SHS Department will retain its semestral calendar as the subjects were designed to be completed using this system. Beginning this school year, the department will be implementing the Strengthened SHS Curriculum for the incoming Grade 11 students and succeeding batches, while the Grade 12 students will complete their studies under the K-12 Basic Education Program. 

Introduced to address concerns that the previous SHS curriculum had become overloaded, fragmented, and less responsive to the evolving demands of higher education and the workforce, the strengthened curriculum reduces the number of core subjects, expands elective opportunities, and provides students with greater flexibility in shaping their educational experience. 

Instead of following fixed strands, students will choose subjects from among the Business and Entrepreneurship cluster, the Arts, Social Science and Humanities cluster, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster, all under the Academic Track. This approach allows students to better align their studies with their interests and future career goals. 

The revised curriculum also reduces the number of core subjects from fifteen to five per year: General Mathematics, General Science, Effective Communication / Mabisang Komunikasyon, Life and Career Skills, and Pag-aaral ng Kasaysayan at Lipunang Pilipino. Core subjects will be taught throughout the entire SY, rather than by semester. In addition, at least nine electives will also be offered to the students, along with cluster-specific subjects.

“The Strengthened [SHS] Curriculum is designed to make learning more focused, relevant, and meaningful… As a school, we view this as a positive step toward preparing our learners not just for college and careers, but to live meaningful lives and make a positive difference in their communities,” expressed SHS Supervisor Raquiel Pinlac.

As part of the changes mandated by the DepEd, the JHS Department and students under the Strengthened SHS Curriculum will no longer be using the previous honor roll categories. Instead, they will be utilizing a unified recognition system proposed by the DepEd Order No. 015, s. 2026 where students’ final average, conduct grade, and subject grades are considered for the Academic Excellence distinction. 

Moreover, the new year-end awards include the Leadership Excellence Award and Excellence in a Specific Learning Area Award, which will recognize students who demonstrate exemplary leadership and outstanding achievement in their respective disciplines. 

“Our priority remains the same: to ensure that learning continues smoothly and that both our students and teachers are well supported, whatever structure the academic year may take,” remarked School Principal Evangeline Co. 

References

ABS-CBN. (2026, February 23). DepEd's 'three-term school year' proposal draws scrutiny, pushback at House hearing. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/2/23/deped-s-three-term-school-year-proposal-draws-scrutiny-pushback-at-house-hearing-1531

Chi, C. (2026, February 17). DepEd says trimester plan not final after pushback from teachers. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/02/17/2508643/deped-says-trimester-plan-not-final-after-pushback-teachers

Daily Tribune. (2026, March 22). Marcos Jr. approves three-term school calendar starting SY 2026–2027. https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/22/marcos-jr-approves-three-term-school-calendar-starting-sy-2026-2027

Escosio, J. (2026, February 13). DepEd proposes trimester system under holistic school calendar reform. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2182067/deped-proposes-trimester-system-under-holistic-school-calendar-reform

Manila Bulletin. (2026, March 2). New SHS curriculum in SY 2026–2027... [Facebook post]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ManilaBulletin/posts/1390867933081409/

Pechay, I. (2026). DepEd: Proposed school trimester system still under review. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2183474/deped-proposed-school-trimester-system-still-under-review

Philstar.com. (2026, February 17). DepEd ordered to consult stakeholders on trimester. Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/02/17/2508561/deped-ordered-consult-stakeholders-trimester