DepEd announces scheme to pick honor students

DepEd regional director Carolino Mordeno announced a new scheme in the ranking of honors for graduating students, saying that the average grade in the previous curriculum level will not matter anymore in the selection.

“Grades obtained by students when he or she is in Grade 5 or third year in high school will not be considered anymore when he/she graduates, unlike in the past,” he said.

He added that the “top ten pupils/students” would be ranked using the 7-3 point scheme wherein seven points will be credited for academic performance while leadership in co-curricular activities will earn three points.

Academic performance will be based on the general average of pupils/students in Filipino, English, Science, Math and Makabayan (formerly Social Studies), which are the five learning areas in a curriculum year.

Performance in co-curricular activities covers active participation in authorized student organizations or clubs. 

In case of a tie, candidates may both be declared for the honor ranking. Pupils/students must have done the entire work required in the grade and or year level in the school where they are candidates for honors. Thus, those who will transfer to another school during the school year will not be eligible for honors for that curriculum year.

A pupil or student who has been suspended for serious disciplinary infractions will also be disqualified for honors for the curriculum or grade level during the imposition of the suspension.

A committee will be tasked to do the selection. However, any teacher related within the second degree of affinity or consanguinity to any candidate for honors will not be allowed to sit as members in the selection committee.  

The school principal is to head the selection committee and is in-charge of making announcements on the selection of honor students. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV