literature for the freshmen. The eight grade students study different forms of text and focus more on composition writing with Ms. Arlene Teofisto. They take up Francisco Balagtas’ Florante at Laura. The ninth grade students study literary criticism with literary pieces taken from regions of the Philippines and a special topic for José Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere. Fourth year students step on advanced literary criticism of pieces in world literature translated in Filipino. They study Rizal’s El Filibusterismo. The subject coordinator for Filipino is Mr. Alex Marcellano. Social Studies Grade 7 begins their social studies course with geography and Asian studies and what is happening on earth. Grade 8 study anthropology and Asian history and culture. Grade 9 take elementary economics in relation to Philippines’ economic status and the world market. Seniors tackle sociology and contemporary issues. The subject coordinator in social studies is Ms. Celine Calado. Research Subject courses in research are now offered in all grades. 9th graders are offered basic theoretic principles in research and statistics. Students may specialize either in biotechnology or microbiology. Seniors are given advanced applied principles in research and thesis writing. Students are required to conduct their own research study and a defense is required at the end of their course. Information and Communication Technology All ICT classes are held in the school’s three ICT laboratories: the computer laboratory which is for basic computer processes and applications, the internet laboratory for web and engineering applications, and the electronics laboratory for the electronics and communications students. 7th graders study the history of computers, with specialization in basic Windows programs. Lessons in operating Microsoft Office programs are also offered. 8th graders study internet and related topics, such as HTML encoding and web page making. Java and Pascal programs are also studied along with Logic operations using different number bases. Seniors may either take Computer Engineering, where they are taught hardware maintenance and repair; Logic, for students interested in integrated and digital circuits which operate in the binary system; or Basic Electronics. Seniors take Electronics, where they learn the components and processes of an electronic circuit. They are required to build an electronic device and a defense follows at the end of their course. Led by sir Albert A. Manalo Nambawan, the ICT teacher. Journalism This is only offered to 9th grade, and 10th grade students as an elective. Journalism is offered to 9th graders and