//     What is SPJ?

         The Special program in Journalism (SPJ) is developed to enrich the experiences,hone the journalistic skills and competencies of student-writers and to strengthen free and responsible journalism.

//     Overview

         In response to the need of raising the level of competence of secondary school students on the various aspects of journalism, the Bureau of Secondary Education (BSE) of the Department of Education (DepED) designed a Special Program in Journalism that primarily aims to enrich the experiences, hone the journalistic skills and competencies of student-writers, and to strengthen free and responsible journalism in secondary schools.

         Based on the performance of the regions in the annual National School Paper Conference (NSPC), DepEd-BSE perceives it fit and proper to strengthen the program by way of implementing a four-year course in journalism at the secondary level. Further, the program has been designed to develop the students’ competencies in both print and broadcast media including the application /use of ICT.

         This program supports R.A. 7079, or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, which mandates the Department of Education “to conduct and implement programs in various aspects of journalism.”

//     What is its Focus?

         The program is a four-year course in journalism at the secondary level. It is designed to develop the learners’ skills in mass communication, print, online and broadcast media. Its main focus is primarily on writing as a process and as an art.

//     SPJ aims to:

•     Strengthen free and responsible journalism
      in secondary schools;
•     Identify areas of development in various
      aspects of journalism;
•     Formulate concrete plans of action for the
      pilot implementation of the program;
•     Orient the participants on the program, its
      scope, target clientele, implementing guidelines
      and its learning standards;
•     Enhance students’ and teachers’ journalistic
      skills and competencies;
•     Promote a spirit of camaraderie, cooperation
      and commitment of our youths to contribute
      to the common good, national unity
      and progress;
•     Ensure commitment and shared responsibility
      towards attainment of program goals.

//     What is the coverage of the four-year specialization program?

THE CURRICULUM
         The curriculum is a four-year specialization program covering the following subjects:

   FIRST YEAR

       1. JOURNALISM I

             The course introduces the learners to the
             basics of journalism. It prepares them for
             the tasks of writing articles for publication,
             and facilitates them in editing articles
             in the newsroom.

       2. ADVANCED ENGLISH I

             The course will further develop the learners’
             language proficiency to equip them with the
             enabling tools in journalistic writing.

   SECOND YEAR

       1. JOURNALISM 2

             The course will develop the learners’
             skills in scriptwriting and broadcasting.

       2. ADVANCED ENGLISH II

             The course will further develop the learners’
             skills in speech development and public speaking.

   THIRD YEAR

       1. JOURNALISM 3

             The course will enhance the learners’ talent in
             radio and television news script production and
             broadcasting.

       2. ADVANCED ENGLISH III

             TThe course will further develop the learners’
             skills in technical writing and research.

   FOURTH YEAR

       1. JOURNALISM 4

             The course will provide the learners with
             hands-on experience in producing a school paper
             through print and online publishing through the
             World Wide Web (WWW).

       2. ADVANCED ENGLISH IV

             The course will provide the learners complete
             exposure and hands–on experience in the
             actual workplace.

//     When is its program operation/implementation?

         The Special Program in Journalism shall be implemented on a pilot basis in identified Regional Pilot Schools. The following timetable indicates the implementation of the SPJ by year level:

//     What are the instructional materials to be used?

         The program shall utilize print and non-print materials. No specific textbook is recommended, but schools are encouraged to provide instructional references and courseware related to the program.

//     Who are qualified to enroll in the SPJ?

         Admission is open to incoming First year high school learners who have obtained an average of at least 88% in English and Filipino and a general average of 85% and above in Grade Six, who exhibit talent in journalism and who have passed the qualifying test and interview to be conducted by the school.

//     What are its time allotment and unit credits?

//     The Prototype Class Program for First Year