Written by Pam Pastor
With one year of blended learning behind us, parents have a clearer idea of what they want from their children’s schools in the new normal: tech-driven quality education that promotes independent learning while providing all the support a student would need without having to leave home.
It sounds like a tall order but that’s exactly what APEC Schools has to offer junior and senior high school students. APEC Schools is the largest chain of stand-alone private high schools in the Philippines. APEC Schools, which has branches all over Metro Manila and Calabarzon, was established in 2013 in the desire to raise the standards of high school education in the country. That objective hasn’t changed in the new normal. “Through the APEC Agile Distance Learning and the APEC Flex Homeschool program, we make sure that students receive quality education in the safety of their own homes. We provide a conducive learning environment for students by having a maximum of two subjects daily, balanced use of asynchronous and synchronous sessions, no quarterly assessments throughout the academic year, and by having quarterly academic breaks for students,” said Jazztine Esteban, Marketing and Admissions head.
Isaac Joseph and Gigi Dantes
Gigi Dantes, whose son Isaac Joseph is an APEC Agile Distance Learning student, said, “I like that APEC gives me a weekly summary of my son’s performance. This means minimal supervision from my end and my child continues to be learning creatively in this critical time.”
At first, Isaac found studying on his own challenging. “We were used to having face-to-face discussions but since APEC pushed us to practice our critical thinking skills, I am now more equipped to learn independently.”
Prepared for the future
Isaac is passionate about improving himself—that’s what motivates him to keep learning. “And that’s what I love most about APEC Schools: their emphasis on making oneself better,” he said.
His mom Gigi said, “I like that my child is learning independently. He is being prepared for the future as early as now.”
APEC Schools really empowers its students to be independent learners, said Esteban. “With the critical thinking-based learning method and the flipped classroom approach, APEC students take control of their education. In whatever learning modality they choose, we make sure that students become #BetterEachDay.”
Jhanine Barateta, an APEC Schools subject matter expert in English, added, “Students are taught using a student-centric approach and critical thinking-based learning method. These help students to be independent and confident learners.”
This method of learning and APEC’s brand of collaborative education develops students into confident and communicative decision-makers who can solve problems and are ready for success in the real world.
Benni Tiglao, an APEC Flex Homeschool student enjoys the freedom he has over his schedule. “When it comes to homeschooling, you are in control of your time,” he said.
Subject matter experts
Benni’s mom Tina appreciates the support the school offers. “We are grateful to have subject matter experts guiding our children without actually spoon-feeding them. There are also course coordinators as well who tell us if our child is deficient at something. The subject matter experts, course coordinators, and the parents all work hand-in-hand to help make the learning process easy for everybody, most especially for the child.”
Even before the pandemic hit, APEC had always maximized the use of technology in education. “Technology is at the heart of APEC Schools’ curriculum. Thanks to that, students transitioned with ease from face-to-face classes to online learning,” said Barateta. According to Barateta, APEC Schools’ content team creates the lessons. “This ensures the delivery of quality education across all the branches.”
In a world that has become more reliant on technology, it’s important to choose a school that knows how to utilize it and equips its students to do the same. Esteban said, “In education’s new normal, you should choose a school where the everyday classes are driven by technology. Since the beginning, APEC Schools utilizes technology through Chromebooks and Google tools for education to provide world-class education to our students. In 2020, our school has been recognized as a Google Reference School—the first in the Philippines. This is proof of how capable and equipped APEC Schools is in educating our students, especially during this time.”
Yes—APEC Schools is the first Google Reference School in the Philippines. Google Reference Schools have a high level adoption of Google Workspace for Education and use Google technology in transformative and innovative ways, tools APEC students will be using well beyond their years at APEC.
Boot camp
Benni said, “We use things like Google Sheets, Google Docs and Google Slides. There’s also Google Drive, which is a lifesaver. Transitioning to the APEC Flex program was great.”
It was a family friend who inspired the Tiglaos to enroll Benni in APEC. “His kids were studying in APEC and he said, ‘Why don’t you check out this school? It’s so cool.’ We’re lucky to have found APEC because it meets our needs and wants for Benni. I’m a proud APEC Schools parent,” said Tina.
Benni said classes are extra fun for him and he likes that he is able to manage his own time. “Tech-enabled classes are really flexible. All you have to do is take advantage of the things they give you like live consultations.”
Benni and Tina Tiglao
Classes at APEC Schools don’t start until August 16 but they are holding a Boot Camp on July 26 to make sure parents and students are ready for the new school year. “This will give APEC a better grip of how their online classes and extracurricular activities would be for the school year,” said Esteban.
For parents who are concerned about expenses (and who isn’t especially during the pandemic?), APEC Schools offers monthly or quarterly payment schemes (depending on the program).
Register or inquire via apecschools.edu.ph. You may also contact admissions@apecschools.edu.ph or tel. 0917-258-7621 and 0998-846-2120. For APEC Flex Homeschool, contact flex.admissions@apecschools.edu.ph or 0927-292-2265.
ADVT
Read more Business stories:
Condo living done right with RLC Residences
SMDC’s Ice Tower takes the lead in Residential-Office development
The good vibes continue for Puregold channel’s GVBoys reaching close to 1M views