1.
Old Curriculum vs. New Curriculum: What are their differences?
Department of Education
Old Curriculum: 2002 Basic Education Curriculum “BEC” Reform
vs.
New Curriculum: K to 12 Curriculum
What are their differences?
School Year 2011-2012 was the last year for using the 2002 BEC Reform in grade 1 level in the Philippines, for
that reason the Department of Education under Aquino’s administration implemented the K to 12 Curriculum effective
this School Year 2012-2013 in grade 1 level. As today, this new curriculum was only implemented for all public schools in
Philippines nation-wide. As for now, private institutions were given a limited freedom to use their old curriculum and we
do not know when they will follow the K to 12 Curriculum in their schools.
Since this new curriculum was implemented in this school year, what kind of curriculum is K to 12? How did it differ from
the old one? Why did they implement this kind of curriculum? And what are the effects of this curriculum to the Grade 1
teachers and Pupils? Before we can give our conclusion from these questions, let us differentiate the new from the old
one.
This table shows the Leveling of Pupils in the Old Curriculum.
In this curriculum, Pre-school is an optional choice for parents and exclusive for private school, this level is not
necessary in BEC. But children with the ages of 6 to 7 must be enrolled in the first grade but children with ages 8 and
above can be enroll in the grade level that they belong to, but if a child cannot write or read in Filipino or English
subjects he/she must enrolled in the Grade 1 level regardless in his/her age.

2.
This table shows the Leveling of Pupils in the New curriculum.
The new curriculum, K to 12 or K12 show means for Kinder, 6 years in elementary, 4 years in Junior high
school and additional two years in Senior high school. Unlike to the old curriculum, children ages 5 to 6 years old must
be enrolled in Kinder even in public schools and students in high school must enroll in additional two years in high school
for the reason that they can find a job even not taking tertiary education.

3.
We will now differentiate the Goals and Objectives of each curriculum

4.
As you can see, 2002 Basic Education Curriculum Reform objective is still in the K to 12 curriculum it was more
focused and aiming for higher education and more recognized and gainful career for every Filipino graduate in the
Philippines.
Old Curriculum vs. New Curriculum: The Old and New Subjects(1)
The Old and New Subjects
New curriculum, new subjects, and new teaching techniques these are the things
that students and teachers must adjust for. This new curriculum gave a little shock in our
country there are people who disagree and agreed for this latest change in our education
system. A lot of question raises, doubts, and hopes that in this new curriculum it can help
the Filipino people to escape from poverty.
As it was implemented in this school year, Grade 1 teachers attended a seminar
about the changes that will happen in this new curriculum. Now we will also witness the
difference of education in both old and new curriculum in these coming years.
In both curriculums, we differentiate the leveling of pupils, goals and objectives.
And this time we will see the differences of the subjects and teaching techniques on how
to mold our young citizens, and how could this be effective for them.

5.
2002 BEC Reform subjects are Filipino, English, Mathematics, Science and
Health, and Makabayan. The table below will show the Description of Learning Areas of
these subjects
These subjects are more focused on basic education like how to read, write, count, identifying objects, and knowing
what is right from wrong. This basic education is still in K to 12 curriculum. Now you may ask, what K to 12
Curriculum differs from 2002 “BEC” Reform? Well, they differ a lot

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The table bellow will show us the new education that will teach our young citizens to widen and enhance their
intellectual capability with the new subjects that they must learn.
K to 12 curriculum haven’t change the basic education that our young citizens must learn but it was enhance and
more advance lessons just to have the high education for them and for their future. As you can see English, Filipino,
and Math are still in K to 12 Curriculum, Science dropped out from Grade 1 to 3 but the concept of science is still in
other subjects like in Mother Tongue, English, Heath and Science. The Makabayan subjects was divert into other
subjects that can easily be understood by the students, like in Araling Panlipunan, ESP and MAPEH. Unlike in the
old curriculum, English and Filipino are the only languages that should be used in teaching in the pupils but now
they are using the Mother-Tongue language as medium of instruction in Kindergarten up to Grade 3 Level, so that
these children can easily understand their lessons and to achieve a higher education.

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The BEC focuses on the basics of reading, writing, arithmetic, science and patriotism. Values is integral to all
the subject areas. Students can then be ready for lifelong learning. It seeks to cure the inability of students who
cannot read with comprehension at grade 3 and worse, at grade 6
What is Basic Education Curriculum?
Basic Education Curriculum (BEC), this is a form of tool which will stand as one point
of learning areas as adequate for the development of competencies starting from
Basic education up to the second level of which is renounced as High School. This will
focus more on developing knowledge, skills, habits and attitudes through the
guidance of educationalist assigned.
The Features of the BEC
 Greater Emphasis on helping every learner become a successful reader.
 Emphasis on interactive/collaborative learning approaches
 Emphasis on the use of integrative learning approaches.
 Teaching of values in all learning areas.
 Development of self-reliant and patriotic citizens
 Development of creative and critical thinking skills.
 The government implemented the K to 12 programs to enhance the educational
system of the country in order to accelerate the mutual recognition of Filipino
graduates and professionals across the world. Learners were able to master the
skills and develop core competencies which are the essential things to meet the
demand of the global market. This analysis used a systematic approach and
review design to come up with a general idea that answers the main objectives of
this research review. This research specifically looked into the different
perspectives of the teachers, parents and students on the implementation of the
 K-12 program in the Philippines which added two more years before a student
can proceed to college. It also described the various problems that arise as a
result of the implementation of this new program and the action plans
established by the government to address these issues. Moreover, to make
possible recommendations that help improve the curriculum to make sure that
quality education can be delineated to all the learners who will be part of this new
program.

8.
The K to 12 system aims to improve Filipino students’ skills in mathematics, science, and
linguistics to further exhibit competence in the global job market. With the new
curriculum, the Department of Education promises to offer higher quality education
through the strands. Each track will give the students enough time to master a field and
enhance their skills in that respective industry and by the end of the curriculum, K to 12
graduates will be ready to become globally competitive and are set to obtain a spot in the
meticulous labor market.
What Are the Advantages of K to 12 Program in the Philippines?
PREPAREDNESS FOR TERTIARY LEARNING
With the adaptation of the K to 12 program, students are expected to graduate at an age
that is a bit older than past graduates of the old curriculum. According to DepEd, this
would be an advantage to the young adults venturing out into the professional world
because they would be much more equipped to deal with the higher level of learning as
they enter college. With this, they can choose to continue their education to higher forms
which will be another great journey to access essential learning developments.
READINESS TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE
Unlike the old system, K to 12 can make students more prepared in joining the
workforce. The new curriculum has this benefit because they compel each student to be
enthusiastic about the workforce and the scheme empowers students to make a choice on
their own. They may or may not pursue a college program especially if they have chosen
a track other than the academic track. Senior high school students need not fret if they
would like to explore other fields aside from their own because they get to choose
electives that can also hone their skills in certain areas that they are interested in.
SKILL COMPETENCY IN THE GLOBAL JOB
MARKET
The K to 12 system aims to improve Filipino students’ skills in mathematics, science, and
linguistics to further exhibit competence in the global job market. With the new
curriculum, the Department of Education promises to offer higher quality education
through the strands. Each track will give the students enough time to master a field and
enhance their skills in that respective industry and by the end of the curriculum, K to 12

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graduates will be ready to become globally competitive and are set to obtain a spot in the
meticulous labor market.
K TO 12 IS A LEARNER-CENTERED
CURRICULUM
K to 12 as a student-centered curriculum can influence the students to take a more active
role in the learning process. With the freedom and the flexibility to choose what they will
learn, how they will learn, and how they can evaluate your own learning, this would be a
way to teach them about independence and how to be a reliable member of a team. Not
only will this make learning very enjoyable and easier for students, it will also help
address diverse needs which include special cases and those that come from indigenous
groups which make this education system very inclusive for everyone.
K TO 12 FOSTERS GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Unlike the previous education system, K to 12 offers more opportunities for employment
and entrepreneurship. Many schools in the Philippines are slowly implementing this.
Graduates of the new system can instantly get a job after they receive their certificates
and passing competency-based assessments. On the other hand, they can set up their own
business or continue their education in college. All the options will help every student to
step up in improving their competence, skills, and professional characteristics
K to 12 Led to Higher Quality Education in the Philippines
With the national government’s backing, the Department of Education aimed to improve the
quality of education for public schools. With full funding for instructional programs and
facilities that will build students’ skills and knowledge, DepEd intended to make senior high
graduates employable even without a college education.
The rigorous K to 12 Program uses high-standard instructional programs to build student’s
knowledge and skills in different subject areas, including courses that make them employable
as they finish high school. Gone are the days when students finish their college diplomas even
as young as 20 years old but cannot compete with their Asian neighbors
DISADVANTAGES OF K-12

10.
 While disadvantages of K to 12 in the Philippines generally revolve around the
financial ability of students and their parents to support them through two additional
years of school, another drawback is how it places pressure on Filipino educators,
especially in public schools.
 Teachers and other educational custodians are required to undergo extensive training
to be able to offer the courses that need to be taught to senior high school students and
at the same time juggle large classes often seen in the public school system.

The disadvantages of the K-12 program are the lack of classrooms and the bloating of the curriculum -
you simply stretched the 10 years of the current curriculum to 12 years of curriculum - there is no
improvement in content - and lack of teachers
ADVANTAGES
 Employment – a student can apply for a work after senior high school since he has
already skills to use in working such as AutoCad, computer hardware servicing,
dressmaking, cooking, etc.
 Entrepreneurship – well, in K-12 program, a student can teach entrepreneurship. He will
obtain an information about entrepreneurial skills. A student after senior high school will
decide to start his own business rather than looking for a job.
 Higher Level of Education – this is true since we added two years for education
curriculum.
Disadvantages
 A student who wants to pursue BS degree, example if a student wants to study
engineering. Instead of 5 years, it will take longer, maybe 6 years or 7 years depending
on the subject he got if credited after senior high school
Advantages:
1. Easier learning
The k-12 curriculum is designed in a manner that provides sufficient time for the learner to acquire new
concepts and skills at a moderate pace.
There is no rush to learn the concepts.
Additionally, practical implementation is also possible.

11.
2. Learning has become interesting
In today’s digital era, various k-12 service providers design curriculums that are highly interesting and
interactive.
Attractive infographics, explanatory animated videos, short films, etc. all are excellent sources.
These resources grab the attention of students in the blink of an eye and make concepts more clear.
3. Prepared to step into the real world
When students get the time span of almost 14 years to learn and brush up on their skills, they have a
sense of confidence to step out into the actual world.
Moreover, they have basic knowledge of the fields that they had chosen which helps them in
understanding the subsequent concepts at a higher level.
Disadvantages:
1. Rote learning
The traditional k-12 curriculum, although extremely vital, is highly based on rote learning.
The skills required for the implementation of various subject matters are highly lacking in the system.
It is here that present-day digitized k-12 services can fulfill the role of equipping the learners with practical
skills.
Their interactive learning curriculums accompanied by hands-on activities are a good way to overcome
this barrier.
2. Loss of interest
While the character of the k-12 curriculum being spread over a vast san of time is an advantage, it
sometimes acts as a disadvantage too.
This is so because as the students mature, they tend to lose interest in the traditional way of learning and
are curious to step into the outer world where they can learn practical skills.
Conclusion:
Thus, the traditional k-12 curriculum can be accompanied by digitized k-12 services to create a holistic
learning system that is a blend of theoretical and practical.
K to 12 May Just Be a Band-Aid Solution for Philippine Education
While public schools are now offering free education and better equipment,
a lot of Philippine towns and villages still lack access to educational

12.
institutions within their communities. From students needing to tread
mountains and travel through rivers and teachers needing to pay for their
own supplies, the educational system and government support is still
lacking, and adding two more years to the overall curriculum may not be as
perfectly executed by all schools around the country.
Instead of the government improving the educational system in and of itself
and furnishing all schools and institutions with the tools and equipment
they need to maximize learning for the students, the implementation of the
K to 12 program in the Philippines may only be adding to the struggles of
teachers and students to both offer and access formal education
FEATURES OF K-12

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The K to 12 Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of Basic Education to provide sufficient time for mastery of
concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills
development, employment, and entrepreneurship
Challenges on the Implementation of the K to 12 Program in the
Philippines
The implementation of the new curriculum was a solution to the different issues in the country but also, it came with
different problems considering that it created a big change in the entire educational system of the country and
Filipinos were affected by this change.
K to 12 programs presented the following challenges:
a) lack of preparation and professional development;
b) excessive academic burden on students; and
c) integration of lessons in the real-life context. This would be a great challenge for all teachers to engage in different
training and to pursue higher education in order to manage the changes and ensure that their growth corresponds to
the demands of society.
d.) lack of facilities and education resources in order to implement the K-12 program effectively and efficiently.
https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHZN_enPH1030PH1030&q=k-
12+curriculum+vs+old+curriculum&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwir27fhqfv8AhXOslYBHV-
ODfIQ1QJ6BAhHEAE&biw=1536&bih=656&dpr=1.25&safe=active&ssui=on#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:a9c8a69b,vid:Iq
16nS1wSfY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dKKZrmXXkM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cfEeJ9ZZfA
Features of RBEC
Greater emphasis on helping every learner become a successful reader
Emphasis on interactive / collaborative learning approaches.
Emphasis on the use of integrative learning approaches.
Teaching Values in all learning areas.
Development of self-reliant and patriotic citizens.
Development of creative and critical thinking skills.
RBEC CURRICULUM STRUCTURES
The CORE SUBJECTS
1. FILIPINO
2. ENGLISH
3. MATH
4. SCIENCE (Science and Health for Elem.) (Science and Technology for secondary)
5. The Experiential Area: Makabayan: Araling Panlipunan; MAPEH (MUSIC-ARTS-P.E-
HEALTH); TLE; Edukasyon sa pagpapahalaga( the practice for holistic learning develop a
healthy personal and national self- identity.)

14.
RBEC vs K-12 Curriculum: Which is
more Effective?
Education is everyone’s concern. K to 12 is a new curriculum implemented by the Department of Education
under Aquino’s Administration. Since this new curriculum was implemented, how did it differ from the old
RBEC Curriculum? Why did they implement this kind of curriculum?
Effective & efficient learning doesn’t just happen. Curriculum must be organized so that it is appropriate and
understandable to teachers and pupils. I agree with all the development since the curriculum should be dynamic
and it should change to meet the demands of the society. K to 12 is now implemented in all public schools in
Philippines nationwide. It promotes greater learning advantage. Teachers training and pupils active involvement
provides necessary direction to develop conceptual and procedural knowledge in our basic education. Let us
differentiate the new curriculum from the old RBEC or Restructured Basic Education Curriculum.
In the old curriculum, Pre-School is an optional choice for parents and exclusive for private school. But children
with the ages of 6 to 7 must be enrolled in the first grade but children with ages 8 and above can be enroll i n the
grade level they belong to, but if a child cannot write or read in Filipino or English he/ she must enrolled in the
Grade I level regardless in his/ her age.
The new curriculum, K to 12 shows means for Kinder, 6 years in Elementary, 4 years in Junior High School and
additional 2 years in Senior High school. Unlike to the old curriculum, children ages 5 to 6 years old must be
enrolled in kinder even in Public Schools & students in High School must enroll in additional two years in High
School for the reason that they can find a job even not taking tertiary education.
DISADVANTAGES
 POOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
-Issues on the varied implementation of the curriculum among schools and teacher seems to be one of the reasons
for prevailing low performance of schools all over the country.
-Perennial complaint about books and other instructional MATERIALS
- The teacher has been identified as one of the influencing factors in the varied implementation of the curriculum.
OVERCROWDED classrooms do not provide a good learning environment
 LACK OF TEACHING MATERIALS
 AVAILABILITY OF DIFFERENT STRANDS

15.
Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC)
Ayon sa kalihim ng edukasyon na si Raul Roco, ang 2002 Basic Education Curriculum ay batay sa labing
anim (16) na taon na pag-aaral na nagsimula noong 1986. Ang pagpapatupad ng RBEC ay binatay sa utos
ng nakatataas bilang 46 at ito ay base sa rekomendasyon ng Philippine Commision on Educational
Reforms na ginawa noong ika-7 ng Disyembre 1998.
Ang bawat asignatura ay may isang oras na nakalaan araw-araw kada lingguhang skedyul. Ito ay
nakasentro sa pagiging maka Diyos, makatao, makakalikasan at makabansa.
The Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) is on its 7th
year of implementation this school year 2005-2006 withslight modifications, with emphasis to rubrics/student
performance as basis of grading system. Teachers are required toprepare their syllabus based on the objectives of the
revised Basic Education Curriculum. Lesson plans were alsopatterned and organized to meet the objectives of the
implemented curriculum. All test items; tables of specifications wereprepared and/or updated. Demonstration

16.
teachings were conducted for staff development during school level workshop.Department heads make periodic
observation of classes to monitor the implementation of the RBEC. Integration method,collaborative teaching, peer
teaching, team teaching, motor activities, visual as well as oral activities in classes were notedand observed.
Mentoring is also being practiced
Revised Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) The revised basic education curriculum (RBEC) aims at
raising the quality of the learners and graduates and empowering them for life long learning which requires the
attainment of functional literacy.