QC pushes special science classes in grade schools

The Quezon City government has adopted a novel way to develop the mastery of its students in the field of science.

Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said special science classes will be introduced in selected elementary schools to harness the potentials of pupils who have the aptitude for science. He said the city government has set aside funds to cover the purchase of technical and scientific equipment needed to develop and enrich the curriculum in science for elementary students.

Among the city schools where special science classes will be conducted are San Francisco, GSIS, San Bartolome, Batasan Hills, Lagro, Cubao, San Vicente, Aurora A. Quezon, Pura V. Kalaw and Project 6 Elementary Schools.

At least 40 pupils from Grades V and VI in each of the school districts were selected to constitute the special science classes.

Aside from conducting special science classes, Belmonte also considered establishing more interactive and comprehensive laboratories to help improve the competence level of these students in science, including other specialized fields, such as integrated science, biology, chemistry and physics.

Belmonte said once implemented, students enroled in the city’s public educational system can acquire knowledge in an innovative and creative learning environment equipped with multi-media software, teacher guides and manuals, simulation on physical environment trainings and e-books for hands-on activities.

To date, there are about 17 elementary and 23 high school science laboratories in Quezon City. It was reported that the city schools division still needs 80 more science laboratories in elementary and an additional 23 laboratories for high school.

The proposal to procure technical and scientific equipment for the different science laboratories of Quezon City schools has been considered as an enrichment program in an effort to improve the level of school performance during the administration of national examinations.