Junior High School

Junior High School

Description

Contact Information

Junior High School (1928)

Description

The UST Junior High School offers an enriched version of the junior high school curriculum rolled out by the Philippine Department of Education.

This curriculum addresses Grades 7-10 of the Philippine K-12 basic education system.

Contact Information

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Motto

Vision & Mission

Motto

"Committed to truth; enkindled by charity"

Vision & Mission

Vision

The UST Junior High School envisions itself as a leading Junior High School in the country, committed to the holistic formation of its students and the cultivation of their potentials.

Mission

The mission of the UST Junior High School is to prepare students for Senior High School, to form them in faith, and to mold them as true Thomasians competent, committed and compassionate, dedicated to serve God, the nation and the global community.

Our mission is defined by the following goals:

  1. Integral formation of our students;
  2. Cultivation of Christian values necessary for the formation of a right social conscience;
  3. Nurturing our students’ passion for knowledge through advancement of 21st century skills.
  4. Appreciation, preservation, enrichment, and propagation of Filipino cultural heritage rooted in a sense of history and tradition; and
  5. Recognition of the role of individuals in the University, local community, country, and the environment.
Objectives

It is the aim of the UST Junior High School:

  1. To mold the students into total human persons by providing them the best educational program possible in an atmosphere conducive to intellectual, spiritual, moral, social, cultural and physical development.
  2. To provide the students with the necessary education in order that they may become well-disciplined persons whose deportment is in harmony with Christian ideals and teachings.
  3. To help the students develop a sense of Christian leadership and service whose primary concern is the welfare of others.
  4. To cultivate in the students a genuine and fervent nationalist sense.
  5. To provide the adolescent students an all-around, sound, balanced and challenging curriculum, not only suited to their talents and abilities, but also determined to bring out the best in them and make them responsible adults in the future.

Learning Environment

Brain-Based Education

Learning Environment

Brain-Based Education

The UST Junior High School adopts brain-based education as its educational delivery framework.

Brain-Based Education (BBE) is the purposeful engagement of strategies based on principles derived from solid scientific research.

BBE emphasizes how the brain learns naturally and is based on what we currently know about the actual structure and function of the human brain at varying developmental stages. Using the latest neural research, educational techniques that are brain-friendly provide a biologically driven framework for creating effective instruction (Wilson, 2001).

Class Sectioning

1. Grades 7 to 10 observe heterogeneous sectioning.

2. A deliberation on sectioning is held one (1) week after the distribution of report cards. Present in the deliberations are the Asst. Principal, Head Teachers, Homeroom Advisers, subject teachers, and the Guidance Counselors per grade/ year level.

3. After the deliberation, the Head Teachers will submit the recommended sectioning for the approval of the Principal.

4. The Office of the Principal will finalize the recommended sectioning of the Head Teachers. No request for change of section will be entertained by the Office of the Principal.

Quarterly Assessment

1. A departmentalized Quarterly Assessment is scheduled four (4) times a school year.

2. Examination permits of students, who paid in full, all scholars, or whose parents are employees of the University are released at least two (2) days before the scheduled examination date.

3. The school’s “No permit, No exam” policy will be strictly implemented.

4. In case of a need to secure promissory notes, you may course your requests through the Treasurer’s Office located at the 2nd floor of the Main Building.

5. The Office of the Asst. Principal will be issuing Temporary Test Permit for students with valid reasons. Student must submit promissory letter duly signed by the student and parent/ guardian. They are advised to secure Temporary Test Permit at least one (1) day before the scheduled examination.

6. Few days before the scheduled Quarterly Assessment, tellers in the High School building will be available to receive payments.

7. Any student who absents himself from the scheduled Quarterly Assessment must present a letter of excuse with a valid reason signed by the parent or guardian on the first day he reports back to school after the said absence. Said letter should be addressed to the Assistant Principal. Failure to do so will mean a score of zero for the examination missed.

8. Students whose reason for the failure to take the examination has been deemed valid by the Assistant Principal will be allowed to take the special assessment given the following conditions:

  1. The Principal’s Office will set a date for the special assessment and will be administered directly by the Office.
  2. A Quarterly Special Test fee (Php50.00) will be charged the student on a per subject basis
  3. The special permit will be issued only when payment of the corresponding examination fees has been made.
  4. If the student fails to take Quarterly Assessment on the set date, he automatically receives a score of zero for that particular examination.

9. The observance of school policies particularly on the prescribed haircut for boys, wearing of the proper uniform and ID are strictly enjoined. Students who violate any of the said policies will not be allowed to take the Periodical Test.

10. Use of cellphones or any electronic communication device is STRICTLY prohibited especially during quarterly examinations.

Formative Assessments

1. In case a student missed any formative assessment due to absences or any official school activity and is excused, s/he shall be given a completion period of five (5) school days from the day s/he reported back to school to take the formative assessment.

2. For unexcused absences, the teacher shall automatically record his/her score as zero. 3. If the student is present but did not take the formative assessment without valid reason, the teacher shall automatically record his/her score as zero.

Performance Tasks and Other Related Requirements

1. The teacher must set a reasonable deadline for the submission of Performance Task. A student who will not be able to meet such deadline shall be given a one-day extension only, provided that he/she secures a letter from parents/guardian citing a valid reason for failing to submit on time.

2. A student who fails to submit the requirement/s even after the given extension period will automatically get a zero grade.

3. In case of serious illness and extreme cases of absences due to other valid reasons, the teacher will give a reasonable extension for the completion period or deadline of submission of Performance Task.

Grading Procedure

For all year levels, the UST Junior High School adopts the implementation of DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015: Policy Guidelines on Classroom Assessment for the K-12 Basic Education Curriculum.

Grading System per Learning Area and Related Grading Policies (see pages 10-13)

Educational Delivery

Admission and Aid

Educational Delivery

Class Sectioning

1. Grades 7 to 10 observe heterogeneous sectioning.

2. A deliberation on sectioning is held one (1) week after the distribution of report cards. Present in the deliberations are the Asst. Principal, Head Teachers, Homeroom Advisers, subject teachers, and the Guidance Counselors per grade/ year level.

3. After the deliberation, the Head Teachers will submit the recommended sectioning for the approval of the Principal.

4. The Office of the Principal will finalize the recommended sectioning of the Head Teachers. No request for change of section will be entertained by the Office of the Principal.

Quarterly Assessment

1. A departmentalized Quarterly Assessment is scheduled four (4) times a school year.

2. Examination permits of students, who paid in full, all scholars, or whose parents are employees of the University are released at least two (2) days before the scheduled examination date.

3. The school’s “No permit, No exam” policy will be strictly implemented.

4. In case of a need to secure promissory notes, you may course your requests through the Treasurer’s Office located at the 2nd floor of the Main Building.

5. The Office of the Asst. Principal will be issuing Temporary Test Permit for students with valid reasons. Student must submit promissory letter duly signed by the student and parent/ guardian. They are advised to secure Temporary Test Permit at least one (1) day before the scheduled examination.

6. Few days before the scheduled Quarterly Assessment, tellers in the High School building will be available to receive payments.

7. Any student who absents himself from the scheduled Quarterly Assessment must present a letter of excuse with a valid reason signed by the parent or guardian on the first day he reports back to school after the said absence. Said letter should be addressed to the Assistant Principal. Failure to do so will mean a score of zero for the examination missed.

8. Students whose reason for the failure to take the examination has been deemed valid by the Assistant Principal will be allowed to take the special assessment given the following conditions:

  1. The Principal’s Office will set a date for the special assessment and will be administered directly by the Office.
  2. A Quarterly Special Test fee (Php50.00) will be charged the student on a per subject basis
  3. The special permit will be issued only when payment of the corresponding examination fees has been made.
  4. If the student fails to take Quarterly Assessment on the set date, he automatically receives a score of zero for that particular examination.

9. The observance of school policies particularly on the prescribed haircut for boys, wearing of the proper uniform and ID are strictly enjoined. Students who violate any of the said policies will not be allowed to take the Periodical Test.

10. Use of cellphones or any electronic communication device is STRICTLY prohibited especially during quarterly examinations.

Formative Assessments

1. In case a student missed any formative assessment due to absences or any official school activity and is excused, s/he shall be given a completion period of five (5) school days from the day s/he reported back to school to take the formative assessment.

2. For unexcused absences, the teacher shall automatically record his/her score as zero. 3. If the student is present but did not take the formative assessment without valid reason, the teacher shall automatically record his/her score as zero.

Performance Tasks and Other Related Requirements

1. The teacher must set a reasonable deadline for the submission of Performance Task. A student who will not be able to meet such deadline shall be given a one-day extension only, provided that he/she secures a letter from parents/guardian citing a valid reason for failing to submit on time.

2. A student who fails to submit the requirement/s even after the given extension period will automatically get a zero grade.

3. In case of serious illness and extreme cases of absences due to other valid reasons, the teacher will give a reasonable extension for the completion period or deadline of submission of Performance Task.

Grading Procedure

For all year levels, the UST Junior High School adopts the implementation of DepEd Order No. 8, s. 2015: Policy Guidelines on Classroom Assessment for the K-12 Basic Education Curriculum.

Grading System per Learning Area and Related Grading Policies (see pages 10-13)

Admission and Aid

Admission Policies and Enrollment Procedures

1. Only graduating elementary school pupils of the current school year are qualified to apply for the Junior High School Entrance Examination.

2. Applicants (and transferees) are to submit two 2” x 2” ID pictures (colored) and photocopies of Birth and Baptismal certificates and pay the corresponding testing fee. Likewise, a certified true photocopy, signed by the Registrar or Principal, of Form 138 (Report Card) is to be submitted with the application form and ID pictures and certificate of candidacy for graduation signed by the Principal/ School Registrar.

3. The results of the entrance examination and the schedule for the interview will be posted on the bulletin boards located at the premises of the UST Junior High School building following the pre- arranged schedule of release of test scores.

NOTE: Non-Catholics must submit the following additional requirements during the interview date:

  • certification indicating their religious denomination
  • letter addressed to the Father Regent expressing their acceptance of the Catholic education, with its norms and practices, to be received by them.

4. After the interview and on a scheduled date, the final list of successful applicants will be posted on the bulletin boards at the lobby of the UST Junior High School Building.

5. After attending the scheduled orientation, qualified applicants who wish to pursue their enrollment in the UST Junior High School must submit the following credentials:

  1. Original of Form 138 (Report Card)
  2. Certificate of Good Moral Character signed by the Principal or Guidance Counselor
  3. One (1) piece 2”x2” colored picture
  4. Certified true photocopy of the Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) for foreign applicants

6. If one of the credentials is lacking/missing, the applicant has to pay the reservation fee of Php 5000 to reserve his/her enrollment slot.

7. Failure to enroll on the scheduled date will mean forfeiture of the applicant’s enrollment slot.

8. Subject to availability of slots, UST Junior High School accepts transferees (incoming Grade 8 and Grade 9 students) with the following qualifications:

  1. A grade of 80% and above for each subject in each quarter/grading period;
  2. General average of at least 85%;
  3. Passing marks in the qualifying examination and interview; and
  4. Of good moral character 9.

9. The student applicants are to be accompanied by their parents or guardian during the enrollment process.

Note: Steps 1-9 were revised due to the pandemic.

10. For old students (incoming Gr. 8, Gr. 9 and Gr. 10), schedule for enrollment will be given before the end of the school year. All students are required to pay the reservation fee of Php5000.00.

11. Athletes who are enjoying scholarship grants including the children of UST faculty/employee and UST Hospital employee need not pay the reservation fee. However, they are still expected to process reservation of their children for security of slot.

12. If a student fails to meet the requirements set for his/her promotion to the next year level, the said fee shall be refunded, while the reserved slot shall be automatically forfeited.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to deserving students who meet the following requirements:

  1. Valedictorian and Salutatorian (highest/ second to the highest weighted average academic grade). Elementary graduates may also be entitled to full and half tuition fee scholarships respectively provided that they: a) rank among the first ten (10) in terms of score in the entrance examination; and b) present a certification to the Office of the Principal attesting to their academic honors.
  2. Residence Scholarships. For incoming Grades 8-10, first two highest in general weighted average per year level at the end of the previous school year are given full and half tuition fee scholarships respectively for the next academic school year.
  3. Athletic Scholarships. Qualified students, determined by the Institute of Physical Education (IPEA), are beneficiaries of full/ partial tuition fee scholarships.
  4. Alumni Scholarships. A financially challenged but deserving student who is a child of USTJHS alumni may apply for partial or full defrayal on tuition fee, subject to pertinent conditions and procedure. Qualified students will be determined by a committee appointed by the Office of the Principal. Interested applicants under this category should submit: two (2) 2”x 2” ID pictures, a letter of application, a certified true copy of form 138 (Report Card), and a certified true copy of the latest Income Tax Return of the Parents.

Program Initiatives

Program Initiatives

ExPosE: Exploring Possibilities for Excellence

FIRE: Faith Integration and Religiosity Enrichment

SCoPe: Strengthening Competencies in Pedagogy

LAA: Learning Anytime, Anywhere

HATAW: Heightening Activities to Achieve Wellness

CAR: Classroom Action Research

i-Survive

GEM: Group Mentoring for Excellence

TLC: Teachers’ Learning Circle

REACH: Respect, Empathy, Acceptance, and Cooperation Bring Harmony

SOAR: Student Opportunities for Academic Reformation

SEP: Special Enrichment Project

Updates

Student Organizations

Patron

Updates

Student Organizations

     

Patron

BL. MANNES DE GUZMÁN, OP

(ca. 1170-1235), priest    

Patron of the UST Junior High School

Feast Day: August 18

The household of Don Felix de Guzmán and Bl. Jane of Aza was so remarkable on account of the religious character of its members to the extent that it is said to resemble a monastery rather than a knightly castle. Three of their children lived in the service of the Church: Anthony, Bl. Mannes and St. Dominic, who founded the Order of Preachers in 1216. Mannes was “a man of great contemplation, zealous for souls, and illustrious for sanctity.” He humbly placed himself under the guidance of his younger brother Dominic from the foundation of the Order, and perhaps even much earlier. He became one of the original sixteen brethren of St. Dominic, of which he is only one to receive the solemn beatification of the Church. He knelt before St. Dominic  and made his solemn vows in his hands, binding himself in obedience.

Amidst the uncertainty of dispersing such a small band of preachers, Mannes wholeheartedly obeyed Dominic and remained faithful to God. Dominic’s plan was to establish centers of sacred preaching near the world’s great universities, communities whose members would be devoted to study, teaching, and preaching, as well as prayer. Mannes was assigned to establish the Order in Paris with  Matthew of France, Bertrand, Oderic, Michel Fabra, John of Navarre, and Lawrence. In 1217, he helped establish the Priory of St. Jacques in Paris. Two years later, he was entrusted with the care of the Dominican nuns in Madrid. After his death, many miracles were attributed to his intercession. He died at the Cistercian monastery near Caleruega, Spain, his hometown, about the year 1235.

Since its inauguration in 1928, the UST Junior High School has been shaping young men and women to be competent, compassionate, and committed members of the society and the church. With the inspiration of Bl. Mannes, the  UST JHS is committed to Truth, enkindled by charity. It is geared toward the integral formation; the cultivation of Christian values; the nurturing of the passion for knowledge; the appreciation, preservation, enrichment, and propagation of Filipino cultural heritage; and the recognition of the one’s important role in the University, local community, country, and the environment.

 

Sources:

  • Dominican Missal and Lectionary for the Order of Preachers in the Philippines, 2011, p. 136.
  • www.dominicanfriars.org/blessed-mannes/
  • https://www.ust.edu.ph/junior-high-school/

Administrators

Administrators

Assoc. Prof. Marishirl P. Tropicales, PhD

Principal

Rev. fr. Orlando C. Aceron, O.P., EdD

Regent

Master Teacher Maria Victoria L. Torres, MBioEd

Assistant Principal

Senior Teacher Anthony C. Castro, MA

School Secretary

School Council

School Council

Assoc. Prof. Marishirl P. Tropicales, PhD

Principal

Rev. fr. Orlando C. Aceron, O.P., EdD

Regent

Master Teacher Maria Victoria L. Torres, MBioEd

Assistant Principal

Master Teacher Eric Portera, MHist

Member

Senior Teacher Caesar Anthony Yoma, MA

Member 

Senior Teacher Evelyn T. Tiangsing

Member

Senior Teacher Anthony Castro, MA

Ex-Officio Secretary

Coordinators

Coordinators

Junior Teacher Krishna A. Tobias, MA

Araling Panlipunan and Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health

Senior Teacher Ellen C. Montiel, MA, MEd

Christian Living Education

Senior Teacher Karen S. Yoma, MEng

English

Senior Teacher Charmei C. Cardinal, MA

Filipino

Senior Teacher Karlo Jay L. Perez, MAEd

Mathematics

Master Teacher Ryan V. Lansangan, PhD

Science

Senior Teacher Dominador B. Ulaye, MA

Technology and Livelihood Education

Proto Teacher Julienne Bennile L. Enano, MA

Community Service and Extension (Simbahayan)

Senior Teacher John Laurence V. de Jesus, MA

e-Learning Specialist

Senior Teacher Joel Bryan A. Guevarra

e-Learning Specialist

 

Senior Teacher Katherine T. Rodriguez

Library

 

Master Teacher Marie Christy R. Iguid, MEd

Pedagogical Lead

Faculty Members

Araling Panlipunan

Junior Teacher Dexter G. dela Cruz, MHist

Master in History

Master Teacher Jane A. Macaraeg, MHist

Master in History

Senior Teacher Bernadine Ann V. Obial, MHist

Master in History

Junior Teacher Cristina P. Paras, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in History

Master Teacher Eric F. Portera, MHist

Master in History

Proto Teacher Marian Kate V. Tadios, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Social Studies

Junior Teacher Krishna A. Tobias, MHist

Master in History

Christian Living Education

Junior Teacher Lydia A. Basaysay, MEd

Master of Education, major in Educational Leadership

Proto Teacher Matthew L. Espino, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Religious Education

Senior Teacher Maria Josefa M. Jamilla, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in School Character and Guidance Education

Senior Teacher Joseph Christian M. Legaspi, MA

Master of Arts in Religious Education

Senior Teacher Ellen C. Montiel, MA, MEd

Master of Arts in Education, major in Special Education

Master of Education, major in Religious and Values Education

Junior Teacher John Gilbert Gabriel L. Nuqui, MA

Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry

Junior Teacher Charles G. Vilog, MEd

Master of Education, major in Religious and Values Education

English

Senior Teacher Danny O. Balance

Master of English

Proto Teacher Regene Marie P. Cabrera, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English

Senior Teacher Crispin B. Javier, MTE

Master in Teaching English in Basic Education

Junior Teacher Manneth C. Nuñez, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English

Junior Teacher Mark Stephene C. Olaya, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in English

Master Teacher Maria Teresa C. Ramos, MEd

Master of Education

Junior Teacher Katherine Patrice B. Sibug, MA

Master of Arts in English

Senior Teacher Caesar Anthony Yoma, MA

Master of English

Senior Teacher Karen S. Yoma, MEng

Master of English

Filipino

Senior Teacher Virginia T. Aungon, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Chemistry

Proto Teacher Angelo L. Butardo, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Filipino

Senior Teacher Charmei C. Cardinal, MAT

Master of Arts in Teaching Filipino

Proto Teacher Chris V. Gamoso, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Filipino

Junior Teacher Arlene P. Magaoay

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Filipino

Junior Teacher Rufino G. Perilla, MA

Master of Arts in Education, major in Filipino

Senior Teacher Rosario R. Salita, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Filipino

Mathematics

Senior Teacher Hanilet C. Banzuelo

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Mathematics

Master Teacher Emmanuel M. Batulan, PhD

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management

Senior Teacher Frederick Jacinto A. Caguioa, MME

Master in Mathematics Education

Senior Teacher Anthony C. Castro, MST

Master of Science in Teaching, major in Mathematics

Junior Teacher Sharmaine Joy M. Fajardo, BSMT

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics for Teachers

Proto Teacher Jay Lawrence L. Garbin, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Mathematics

Master Teacher Marie Christy R. Iguid, MEd

Master in Mathematics Education

Senior Teacher Karlo Jay L. Perez, MAEd

Master in Mathematics Education

Senior Teacher Katherine T. Rodriguez, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Mathematics

Junior Teacher Walner A. Saturno, MEd

Master of Education in Mathematics Education

Senior Teacher Rufino Jr. A. Villamar, BSChE

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH)

Junior Teacher Christian T. Aplaon, BM

Bachelor of Music in Music Education

Senior Teacher Maria Lulu P. Orlina, MEd

Master of Education, major in Educational Management

Junior Teacher Jessica T. Singson, MEM

Master in Educational Management

Senior Teacher Maria Zarah V. Rivera, MEd

Master of Education

Science

Proto Teacher Mark Christian R. Aquino, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Biology

Senior Teacher Rosemarie S. Cabauatan, MEd

Master of Education, major in Physics

Junior Teacher Kimberly M. Chua, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Biological Science

Master Teacher Evelyn B. Gregorio, MCE

Master in Chemistry Education

Master Teacher Ryan V. Lansangan, MA

Master of Arts in Science Education, major in Chemistry

Master Teacher Frederick Roy A. Manubay, MEd

Master of Education

Senior Teacher John Raymond S. Sandoval, BSCE

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Master Teacher Ruben L. Sinugbuhan, MA

Master of Arts in Teaching Physics

Senior Teacher Evelyn T. Tiangsing, BSEd

Bachelor of Science in Education, major in General Science

Master Teacher Eden G. Tolentino, MEd

Master of Education

Master Teacher Maria Victoria L. Torres, MBioEd

Master in Biology Education

Technology and Livelihood Education

Junior Teacher Michelle Arcena, BBTEd

Bachelor in Business Teacher Education, major in Business Technology

Proto Teacher John Laurence V. de Jesus, MA

Master of Arts in Industrial Education, major in Educational Technology

Proto Teacher Jullienne Bennille L. Enano, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Technology and Livelihood Education

Junior Teacher Gracielle B. Espiritu, BSHRM

Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management

Senior Teacher Joel Bryan A. Guevarra, MEd

Master of Education

Proto Teacher Allen Joel P. Lora

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education, major in Computer Education

Junior Teacher Gian Carlo R. Nocom, BSEd

Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Computer Technology Education

Master Teacher Maria Cristina P. Tungpalan, MME

Master in Mathematics Education

Senior Teacher Dominador B. Ulaye, MA

Master of Arts in Industrial Education, major in Administration and Supervision

Support Staff

Ms. Maria Jennifer C. Mata

Office Secretary

Ms. Anna Aleriza I. Guerrero

Office Clerk

Mr. Daniel S. Tagaro

Office Clerk

Mr. Cipriano A. Magaru, Jr.

Audio-Visual Room Technician

Mr. Arnulfo C. Silva, Jr.

Audio-Visual Room Technician

Mr. John Drian S. Dionisio

Computer Laboratory Technician

Mr. Frumencio R. Meneses

Computer Laboratory Technician

Mr. Rafael M. de Jesus

Laboratory Assistant

Mr. Adonis D. Somodevilla

Utility Clerk

History

History

Since its inception, the University of Santo Tomas High School has been shaping young men and women into competent, compassionate, committed, and functional members of the society. The School is cognizant of its role to share in UST’s characteristic Catholic nature of formation. Its mission is geared toward the integral formation of students, cultivation of Christian values necessary for the formation of a right social conscience, development of professional sound expertise in guiding, counseling, and nurturing the students’ passion for knowledge, appreciation, preservation, enrichment, and propagation of Filipino cultural heritage rooted in a sense of history and tradition, and the recognition of the role of individuals in the University, local, community, country, and the environment.

In order to realize its vision “to live up to its vocation as a Christian, Catholic, evangelizing, Flipino, and educational community, with its tradition of excellence, involving its academic and non-academic staff,” the School inculcates in its stakeholders the distinct Thomistic formation, the noble Dominican ideals and its characteristic core values of competence, commitment and compassion. To steadily achieve this, the School implements an enhanced curriculum based on the mandates of the Department of Education. It puts into effect a comprehensive Student Activity Program, a comprehensive Community Service Program and a total spiritual formation firmly grounded on Catholic creed, code and cult. Further, its discipline system is based on correction and restoration principles, while its Guidance and Counseling Program stresses home-school collaboration.

To look back at the roots of the UST High School is to gaze upon the origins of the University of Santo Tomas. Interestingly, the University supervised the General Secondary Education Programs in the Philippine Islands during the Spanish Period. UST High School was formally founded in 1928 as a laboratory school for student teachers, opening its doors to 110 male students on June 6, 1928 with Fr. Silvestre Sancho, O.P. as Director and Dr. Rafael Acosta as Principal.

In October 2008, the school, under the leadership of Mrs. Eden G. Tolentino, M.Ed. applied for a preliminary visit by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) to determine the school’s level of preparedness for the accreditation process. In November 2010, a team of PAASCU accreditors composed of administrators from well- known high schools in the country conducted the first Formal Visit of UST High School. By January 2011, the school was happily informed that it is granted Level 1 Accreditation Status of PAASCU for three years, 2010-2013.

In June 2012, the K to 12 Program, with its spiral progression approach was implemented in the grade 7 curriculum. To address collaboration and creativity in student’s learning, independent and cooperative learning sessions became an integral part of the learning process in all learning areas. Gradual implementation of the K to 12 curriculum framework was undertaken, in anticipation of the impact of ASEAN 2015 and also in line with the University’s internationalization effort.

In 2013, which is the second year of implementation of the K to 12 program, several projects were introduced to further strengthen the foundation of the 21st century skills development among the learners. These include a) introduction of the a new sectioning scheme for grade 7 and grade 8, which follows the heterogeneous grouping, b) introduction of the TOEFL Junior (Test of English as a Foreign Language) as a new assessment tool in determining students’ proficiency in the English language with the inclusion of intervention tools to address specific learning difficulties, and c) pilot implementation of mobile learning project called Learning Anytime Anywhere (LAA) where tablet is used as a teaching-learning tool in a blended learning environment. Considering a culture of continuing professional development among teachers, Mentoring Program was extended to all faculty members: newly-hired, mid-career, and seasoned faculty members. With the availability of e-learning Access Program (eLeAP) as learning management portal, all faculty members underwent training for the optimization and integration of technology in the teaching-learning process through the assistance of the Educational Technology Center. Teachers started developing their respective coursewares that are carefully designed for their instructional needs via the Blackboard as learning management system. Online resources are likewise utilized such as EBSCO, Science Direct, JSTOR etc. for the continuing knowledge management and production among teachers. Classroom Action Research (CAR) was revitalized for more focused and responsive inquiries on problem spaces on classroom instruction such as method, motivation, matter and mastery. Creative intervention designs in addressing said problem spaces were targeted to be tried out towards meaningful and relevant learning among the students and at the same time, to be shared among the academic community. In terms of students’ activities and exposures, students were given more opportunities to participate in contests, seminars and trainings outside the university, namely, leadership and talent fair, business planning, debating, national robotics competition, participation in international choir festival, among others. Towards developing another pillar of education, learning to live together, the UST HighSchool warmly welcomed foreign students from ASEAN countries and was graciously welcomed by prestigious secondary schools in Metro Manila through the School’s benchmarking efforts. In 2014, the UST High School, under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Marishirl P. Tropicales is granted Level II Re- Accredited Status of PAASCU for 6 years (2013 – 2019).

In school year 2015 – 2016, UST JHS became a member of SEAMEO Schools’ Network of Sharing and Development, an organization among ASEAN elementary and secondary schools that promote sharing and development between schools across Southeast Asia. In the same academic year, the UST JHS was the first high school in Manila to use the global TOEFL test. The school also introduced the Project SOAR to address the needs of students who grapple with academic challenges or encounter learning difficulties. It consists of three (3) levels: Project SOAR 1 (peer coaching); Project SOAR 2 (intervention); and Project SOAR 3 (remediation).

Like a diamond slowly being cut into perfection, UST Junior High School will definitely withstand the challenges of the times and pervade in the trends of the educative milieu. It shall do this by prudently incorporating sound pedagogic principles, reasonably maximizing available material, technological and human resources, and diligently employing effective teaching methodologies in order to facilitate authentic, constructive, practical and globalized learning among its millennial clients. In this way, the UST Junior High moves forward… ascending ever.

Principals
(formerly known as Directors)

Regents