By Arabella Balderama

The Ateneo Senior High Advancement Classes (ASHAC) of incoming grade 11 and 12 students across all strands began on Monday, July 3, allowing them to prepare for the school year 2023-2024.

The program is comprised of different courses, ranging from Filipino, Mathematics, and the Sciences, similar to last year’s offered subjects.

General Mathematics, Gamiting Filipino sa Akademikong Diskurso, Statistics and Probability, Trigonometry and Analytic Geometry, Bridging Contexts: Introduction to Research Methodology, as well as Basic Math Skills encompassed the grade 11 advancements.

Meanwhile, courses offered for grade 12 specialized in the Sciences; specifically Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, alongside Basic Calculus, Filipino, Basic Math, and Research. 

However, ASHAC 2023 widened its scope, including not only academic disciplines but also sports such as Basic Badminton for both grade 11 and 12.

Nazh Lumaban, an incoming STEM senior, identified specific areas of learning while reviewing for college entrance exams, which made him enroll in ASHAC.

“Realizing my deficiencies in specific areas of learning was a frequent occurrence during my preparation for the UPCAT. One weakness particularly stood out from the rest—my insufferable inability to comprehend the Sciences. On top of the excessively intimidating stories from recently graduated seniors, this was enough to convince me that I needed to get a headstart,” Lumaban narrated.

“The session was already very informative, introducing foreign concepts and ideas. While what we just experienced was only the tip of the Physics iceberg, it gives you a grasp of what’s in store for the rest of the program and the subject itself in the academic year,” Lumaban said when asked about his first-day experience in the ASHAC, adding that the fun made him miss attending classes onsite.

Aside from being a firm foundation for the school year 2023-2024, ASHAC is also an avenue for students to “create and/or re-establish relationships” as they meet classmates and batchmates from various sections and strands.

With one month left for vacation, students are already gearing up for what’s in store in the imminent school year.

“I am most excited to meet the incoming juniors! Aside from that, I am also looking forward to putting my learning capacities to the test as an incoming STEM senior. Lastly, and probably most importantly, graduating from high school,” Lumaban concluded.

The ASHAC 2023 program would run onsite until July 19, just in time for the school year that is fast approaching.