They were called the experimental group for the K-12 educational scheme which had a denigrating connotation for the first batch of students who had to endure two added years of schooling.

"When I heard the term 'experimental batch,' I feel annoyed because we're not lab rats to be experimented on because we value our time too."

That was how CJ, a Broadcasting graduate, viewed the extended curriculum. He was part of Batch 2022, the first who graduated under K-12.

Indeed, "experiment" is often used as an informal reference to the first batch of Filipino students under K-12.

After all, the implementation of K-12 has become an "experiment" as it was saddled by a myriad of impacts, both positive and negative, on students, teachers and administrators.

However, after many years of schooling, Batch '22 will step outside to the real world to seek their respective career paths.

CJ explained that, despite the joys of finishing school, there's also the aspect of facing the future of being independent:

"At first, it felt great that I had graduated since I came from a poor background. I fulfilled my promises to my parents to finish my studies because I am the only one who graduated from college.

However, I can gradually feel the fear of being in the last leg of me being dependent on my parents and relatives, especially in terms of financial support," CJ said.

Dani, who graduated with a degree in Secondary Education, describes her post-graduate life as both intense and slow-paced.

"I find it overwhelming because we were not properly equipped after graduation since most of our final years in school were spent online. It's also underwhelming especially as I find my career to have encountered a hump," Dani explained.

Improved education?

As proposed by the Department of Education, way back in the first few years of implementation, K-12 aims to strengthen the country's education system by focusing on mastering basic skill sets and aligning students to their preferred areas of learning, whether it is hard sciences, social sciences, or technical-vocational education.

K-12 offered options for students to pursue college, possible employment even at the senior high school level, and livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Dani expressed satisfaction with the curriculum's impact in giving students options regarding their future career paths.

"It's beneficial. For academic students, it's a great way to introduce them to their future careers and their possible career life. Technical-Vocational students could immediately gain NCII or NCIII certificates that could grant them endless job opportunities both in the country and abroad," Dani explained.

However, with the added years in high school, CJ expressed his disappointment over the delay in his plan to work and earn.

"I remember when I was in the second year, I knew people who graduated from the previous curriculum who are now earning while we still must deal with our studies. If K-12 did not exist, I could have graduated much earlier and already earning and helping my parents," CJ recalled.

He also explained that K-12 can be a burden for those who are not financially capable to support two more years of schooling.

"I always hear arguments from parents about the cost of two more years in high school. Even if the Department of Education releases vouchers for students who enter private schools, it could still be expensive for the allowance, books, modules, uniforms, and other miscellaneous needs," CJ said.

For Dani, the new curriculum may have allowed newer topics to learn, but schools have not been prepared for such changes.

"New curriculum means new subjects. Unfortunately, a lot of schools, both public and private, didn't have enough time to employ new teachers who are suited to the new subjects. They'll just assign those whom they have in their staff to teach the new subjects," Dani said.

"It was a hard experience as no one knew what we were doing. There was a time when I felt we were neglected, but over time, I realized that it was definitely an uncertain period of change," she added.
Despite the issues around the curriculum, CJ said that K-12 remains a beneficial tool for students, yet other issues affecting the students still need to be addressed.
"Teachers do their best to impart their knowledge through this curriculum, which makes K-12 beneficial. However, some factors should be looked into before declaring it as a success, especially in terms of financial stability and opportunities," CJ said.