Regional Science High School for Region 1
| Regional Science High School for Region I | |
| Motto | scientia vincere ad meliora |
|---|---|
| Established | 1994 |
| School type | Public specialized high school |
| Principal | Dr. Amerfina D. Nelmida ed. d |
| Patron Saint | Saint Albertus Magnus |
| Location | National Highway, Ma. Cristina East, Bangar, La Union, 2519 Philippines |
| Phone | (072)-794-12-39 |
| National Ranking | 2 |
| Mean Percentage Score | 92.05% |
Regional Science High School for Region 1 (RSHS),is a Magnet school,of Department of Education (Philippines), established during the school year 1994-1995 by virtue of DECS Order No. 69,s.1993. The school has a curriculum that specialize in science and research (different from Special Science Program/ Engineering and Science Education Program schools).
History
The school started with a single classroom consisting of 60 bright students coming from different provinces in the Ilocos Region, with Dr. Amerfina D. Nelmida, designated as Officer-in-Charge. For almost four years, it shared classrooms with its mother school DFLOMNHS located at National Highway, San Blas, Bangar, La Union. Then in July 1998 RSHS moved to its present site at Ma. Cristina East, Bangar, La Union. The RSHS-1 campus was donated by the Municipal Government of Bangar.
Milestones
| Principals of the Regional Science High School for Region I |
| Dr. Amerfina D. Nelmida, 1994-2003 (as OIC) |
| Dr. Amerfina D. Nelmida, 2004-present |
| Former Names of the Regional Science High School for Region I |
| DFLOMNHS Special Science Class, SY 1994-1995 to 1996-1997 |
| Regional Science High School, SY 1997-1998 to 2003-2004 |
| Regional Science High School for Region I, SY 2004-2005 to present |
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | The eleven Regional Science High Schools was established nationwide by vitue of DECS Order No. 69,s.1993. |
| 1998 | RSHS-I move to it's own home at Ma. Cristina East, Bangar, La Union |
| 1998 | RSHS joined for the first time an international competition for Investigatory Projects. Alvin Gay Mostoles, then third year student, represented the Philippines for its invention "Stone Segregator", in SEOMEO Science Fair, held in RECSAM Penang Malaysia. |
| 2000 | RSHS-I for the first time joined the National Secondary Achievement Test (NSAT). It ranked number 43 among top performing secondary schools in the Philippines. |
| 2000 | RSHS-I had it's internet connection, the first public secondary school in La Union to have. |
| 2001 | for the second time to join NSAT, RSHS ranked number 29 all over Philippines |
| 2002 | Mr. Rogelio C. Valdez,a Science Project adviser, was nominated as the best Science Project adviser in the 53rd Intel International Science & Engineering Fair,held in Kentucky, USA. |
| 2002 | RSHS held its Graduation exercises on its own campus for the first time. |
| 2004 | a group of RSHS students represented the Philippines in the Future Creation Fair, JIII,held in Tokyo, Japan. |
| 2004 | The first National Achievement Test was held. RSHS-I ranked number 10 nationwide. |
| 2005 | RSHS-I ranked number 2 natiowide in the National Achievement Test |
Admission
Admission to any RSHS is a three-step screening given to all qualified elementary students. To be eligible for admission, applicants must be Filipino students who must belong to the top 10% of the graduating class and must have special aptitude in science and math.The screening includes two screening examinations and one interview.
Curriculum
| Subject Area | Curriculum Year Level 1 | Curriculum Year Level 2 | Curriculum Year Level 3 | Curriculum Year Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science | Earth and Environmental Science; Natural Science | Basic Biological Science; Advanced Biological Science | Chemistry I (Basic Chemistry); Physics I (Basic Physics); | Chemistry II (Advanced Chemistry); Physics II (Advanced Physics) |
| Mathematics | Elementary Algebra | Mathematics II-A (Advanced Algebra); Mathematics II-B (Geometry) | Mathematics III (Pre-Calculus and Trigonometry); Analytic Geometry; Advanced Statistics | Calculus with Linear Algebra |
| English | Grammar, Communication Skills, and Literature | Grammar, Communication Skills, and Afro-Asian Literature | Grammar, Communication Skills, and Asian Literature | Grammar, Communication Skills, and World Literature |
| Filipino | Filipino I (Ibong Adarna) | Filipino II (Florante at Laura) | Filipino III (Noli Me Tangere) | Filipino IV (El Filibusterismo) |
| Social Science | Araling Panlipunan I (Philippine History) | Araling Panlipunan II (Asian History) | Araling Panlipunan III (World History) | Araling Panlipunan IV (Economics) |
| MAPEH | Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health I | Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health II | Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health III | Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health IV |
| Computer Education | Computer Education I | Computer Education II | No Computer Education [for this curriculum] | No Computer Education [for this curriculum] |
| Research | Research I (Technical Writing and Basic Statistics) | Research II (Advanced Technical Writing II) | Research II-A (Intermediate Research in Science) | Research II-B (Advanced Research in Science) |
| Electives | No Electives for this Year Level | Advanced Technical Writing; Biotechnology; Botany; Business Mathematics; Journalism I; Pamamahayag I; Drafting | Speech and Drama; Technical Writing; Journalism II; Pamamahayag II | Creative Writing; Environmental Chemistry; Geology, Meteorology and Astronomy; Linear Algebra; Journalism III; Pamamahayag III, Theater Arts; French II; Humanities; Electricity |
Student Opportunities
Research
Along with a rigorous academic foundation, and an array of extracurricular choices, students are provided with original research opportunities in the biological, physical, and social sciences, as well as in field of mathematics and programs that hone students' investigation skills and prepare for academic competitions.
Publications
- The RSHS Catalyst- the official English language publication of RSHS.
- Ang Tagatuklas (The Explorer)- official Filipino language publication.
Both publications are one of the best student publications in the Philippines. It has maintained its reputation as one of the most awarded student publications in the Philippines.
Organizations
Student
- Student Body Organization (SBO)
- Regional Organization on Youth Science Clubs (ROYSC)
Alumni,Faculty and Parents
- RSHS-I Alumni Association
- Parents and Teachers Community Association (PTCA)
- Science Club Advisers Association Of the Philippines (SCAAP)
Student Factions/Fraternities/Sororities
- ThirteenZero
- AHDC (defunct)
Other Student Activities
Although the curriculum is more grounded in the sciences than other high schools in the area, the school offers a wide variety of activities that would help develop students into future ethical and socially-responsive scientists. Here are some of the activities students engaged in:
- Buwan ng Wika
- Science Month
- Intramurals
- Junior-Senior Promenade
- Foundation Day
- Teacher"s Week
Aside from inside school activities, the school also actively joining outside activities such as patronal fiesta, town fiestas, provincial foundation day and many others.
Facilities and Resources
Currently, RSHS for Region 1 campus is comprised of 3 buildings; the old academic building, a laboratory building, and the administrative building. The academic building houses all the lecture classes of the students and ICT laboratory. The laboratory building which houses different science laboratories. The Administrative building houses the Office of the Principal, Faculty Office, and School Library.
The RSHS Laboratories is well equipped with the most up-to-date and modern laboratory apparattuses and equipments. Located beside the Administrative building, the laboratory building houses the four laboratories: the General Science Laboratory, the Biology Laboratory, the Chemistry Laboratory and the Physics Laboratory. These laboratories are well used by the students, for their experiments, scientific researches, and measurements.
The RSHS Library is committed to supporting the student body by providing extensive resources ranging from traditional print and microform to electronic subscription e-journals and databases. Located on the administrative building, the library is composed of different sections:the General Library, which stores different sets of encyclopedias; the Natural Science Section which covers the areas of sciences, mathematics and ICT; the Human Sciences Library which covers history, languages and literature, and other fields of social sciences; and the Multi-media & Internet Library. Every available space is productively used, and presents a comfortable and attractive environment for students
The RSHS canteen was demolished in 2006. Thus, students are obliged to bring their own food for snacks and lunch. This also ensures that the food of the students is safe. In the future the RSHS canteen will again be built.
The school has also one covered court where sports activities and other productions are held. Construction of the facility began in 2001 as part of the project of the 5th batch of SCIons (class 2002).
RSHS takes pride of being the pioneering secondary school to have an internet connection in Bangar. It also takes pride in its state-of-the-art laboratory facilities which were donated by different groups, such as USAID, Metrobank Foundation, DOST and Provincial Government of La Union.
Teaching Aids and Other Instructional Materials
The Department of Education provides different learning materials for RSHS students.
Textbooks
Students are given textbooks on 1:1 ratio. Each students are given textbooks on different learning areas such as English, Filipino, Araling Panlipunan, and MAPEH. Textbooks for Science and Math subjects are also provided for freshmen and sophomore students, but these serves only as a reference book. As of the moment, there is no prescribed textbook in Science and Mathematics subjects in RSHS, this is due to the advance topics being tackled in this subjects, which are not included in the textbooks distributed by Dep. Ed.. RSHS students and faculty usually uses books used by university students as their reference books in their Science and Math classes.
Calculators
Scientific Calculators and Graphical Calculators are also borrowed to the students to supplement the students in their Science and higher mathematics subjects.
Classes
CLASS SECTIONS IN
Regional Science High School for Region I
First Year
- I-Al (Aluminum)
- I-Ac (Actinuim)
Second Year
- II- Be (Beryllium)
- II- Bi (Bismuth)
Third Year
- III- Li (Lithium)
- III- La (Lanthanum)
Fourth Year
- IV- Es (Einsteinium)
- IV- Eu (Europium)
Former/Defunct Sections
- I- Venus
- I- Mars
- II- Darwin
- II- Mendel
- III- Dalton
- III- Mendeleev
- I- Am (Americuim)
- II-Br (Bromine)
Note: * - optional sections
- Classes in RSHS starts at 7:10 am and ends at 11:50 noon, then it will resume at 1:10 pm for freshman and sophomore classes, 1:00 pm for junior and senior classes, then ends at 4:50 pm. RSHS follow the 5 days a week class scheme.
- Science and Math classes takes 80 minutes of lecture everyday, while English classes takes 60 minutes of lecture every day. Other subjects takes 40 minutes of lecture everyday.
- There were at least 30 students in every classroom depending on the number of students qualified and enrolled very school year. The freshman and sophomore classes are sub-divided into 3 sections (the 3rd section is optional, which depends on the number of students enrolled) and 2 sections for junior and senior levels (the second section is also optional, depending on the number of students qualified).
- Sectioning in RSHS follows the mnemonic A-B-L-E. Meaning all sections in first level starts with A, second level start with B and so on and so forth. Names of each sections are also taken from Periodic Table of Elements. Previously class-sections were named after a planets in the first year classes, Biologist for second year classes, and Chemist in the third year classes until when all levels were completed in 1997, when it adopts the mnemonic A-B-L-E sectioning.
- There is no "Star Section" nor a "Goat Section" in RSHS, since all students studying here are considered to be above average. The students are grouped into sections in following ways:
- CASE 1: Year levels with three sections (70 or more students)- students who are in top 1-5 belongs to the first section i.e. I-Al, II-Be, III-Li, & IV-Ei, for students from top 6-10 they belong to second section i.e. I-Ac, II-Bi, III-La, & IV-Es, and for students from top 11-15 they are grouped in the third section i.e. I-Am & II-Br. Students from top 16 and below, are then grouped in counts of three, i.e. 16 to first section, 17 to second section, 18 to third section, 19 to first section, and so on and so forth.
- CASE 2: Year levels with two sections (60 or more stuents)- it follows the same grouping scheme in CASE 1 for the top 10 students, i.e. top 1-5 to first section and top 6-10 to second section. Grouping for the rest of the students follows the odd-even scheme i.e. students whose ranks are odd number they belong to first section and students whose ranks are even numbers they belong to the second section or vice versa.
- CASE 3: Year levels with single sections (40 or less students)all students are grouped in the first section.
Performance
NSAT and NAT and other Examinations
Regional Science High School for Region 1 maintains to be one of the top high schools in the National Secondary Assessment Test (NSAT) and National Achievement Test (NAT). Likewise it also maintain a high passsing rate in different college entrance examinations from top caliber universities in the Philippines, such as: University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT), Ateneo de Manila University College Entrance Test (ACET), De La Salle University College Entrance Test (DLSU-CET), University of Santo Tomas College Entrance Test (UST-CET) and Saint Louis University- Baguio City College Entrance Examination (SLU-CEE). RSHS-1 seniors also showed good passing rate in the Department of Science and Technology Scholarship Examinations.
Competitions
Regional Science High School for Region1 is an achiever on both national and international competitions.
- National competitions- Since its creation in 1994 RSHS for Region had consistently winning awards in the national feat.Among them are the following:
- National Intel Philippine Science Fair[1]
- Philippine Super Quiz bee Science
- DAMATHS Olympiad
- National School Press Conference
- International competitions- Though it's still young, Regional Science High School for Region 1 had represented the country several times in some international competitions particularly in the field of research. Among the international competitions it attended are the following:
| Class Valedictorians of the Regional Science High School for Region I |
| Geraldine Bunao, Batch 1 (1998) |
| Jelyn Hazel Napenas,Batch 2 (1999) |
| Alvin Jay Mostoles,Bacth 3 (2000) |
| A. Karla Bermio,Batch 4 (2001) |
| Aiza Katrina Marquez,Batch 4 (2001) |
| Gladys Anne Bermio,Batch 5 (2002) |
| Gillian Hope Macusi,Batch 6 (2003) |
| Wymir Paradero,Batch 8 (2005) |
RSHS-1 Alumni,notably called "SCIons", rooted from the words "Scio"latin word which means science, knowledge and to know; "ions" which implies their importance to society; and the word itself "scion" which denotes descendant of Galileo Galilei, the Father of Modern Science.
Roughly seventy percent (70%) of alumni are in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The rest are in the humanities, journalism, law, business administration, accountancy, medicine, public administration, and the military.
List of Regional Science High Schools (RSHS)
Other RSHS-I Pages on Wikipedia
- Regional Science High School for Region 1 (Ilocano Version)
- Regional Science High School for Region 1 (Tagalog Version)