SLU BES

 

Exploring SLU BES 

Being part of the SEA Teacher Program gave me the opportunity to experience the education system at Saint Louis University Basic Education School (SLU BES), particularly in the Junior High School Department. SLU BES is more than just a school—it is a learning environment that encourages students to grow both academically and in character.

Let’s dive deeper into the school profile, academic support system, and teaching system at SLU BES!

1. School Profile: SLU BES at a Glance

SLU BES is part of Saint Louis University (SLU), a leading private university in Baguio City, Philippines. The school has an excellent academic reputation and is committed to providing quality education to students from all backgrounds.

General Information about SLU BES:

📍 Location: Navy Base, Baguio City, Philippines

📅 Founded: 1911

🏫 Educational Levels: Elementary, Junior High School, and Senior High School

🌍 Accreditation: Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU)

2. Academic Support System: Helping Students Reach Their Full Potential

SLU BES focuses not only on academic excellence, but also provides various programs and facilities to help students develop holistically.

Student Support Programs

✨Guidance and Counseling Services

A team of professional counselors is available to support students in academic, social, and emotional aspects.

🎭 Student Organizations and Clubs

SLU BES offers various clubs and organizations, including Science Club, Math Club, Performing Arts Club, and Student Council, to develop students’ talents and interests.

💡 Technology in Learning

The school implements a blended learning system, combining traditional teaching methods with digital technology, which allows students to learn more flexibly.

 School Facilities that Support Learning 

🏫 Modern and Comfortable School Building 

Classrooms are equipped with digital projectors and ergonomic seating to enhance the learning experience. 

📚 Library with Extensive Resources 

Students have access to a well-stocked library with physical books, e-books, and online learning platforms. 

🔬 Science and Computer Labs 

SLU BES provides well-equipped science and computer labs where students can conduct experiments and develop their technology skills. 

💧 Water Stations 

The program, which is called "water is life", is very positive in increasing students' awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and environmental sustainability, because each individual is required to bring their own tumbler, so as to reduce the use of plastic. 

⚽ Halls equipped with sports equipment such as badminton, basketball, etc. 

With this comprehensive academic support system and top-notch facilities, SLU BES ensures that students have everything they need to excel in their studies and personal growth. 

 3. Teaching System

As a participant in the SEA Teacher Exchange Program, I had the opportunity to observe the teaching and learning methods at this school. Here are some interesting insights I discovered!  

1. Following the K-12 Curriculum

SLU BES implements the K-12 system, meaning students go through education from kindergarten to Grade 12 before entering university. The structure consists of:  

✅ Kindergarten (equivalent to preschool in Indonesia)  

✅ Grade 1-6 (Elementary School)  

✅ Grade 7-10 (Junior High School)  

✅ Grade 11-12 (Senior High School)  

In Senior High School, students can choose academic, vocational, arts, or sports tracks based on their interests.  

2. Student-Centered Learning Approach  

At SLU BES, teachers are not the only source of learning. Students are encouraged to actively participate in class through various methods, such as:  

✅Collaborative Learning– Students often work in groups to complete assignments or projects.  

✅Problem-Based Learning– Teachers encourage students to ask questions, explore, and discover answers on their own.  

✅Blended Learning– A combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and digital platforms for additional materials.  

3. English as the Medium of Instruction  

Almost all subjects at SLU BES are taught in English, except for special subjects like Filipino Language and Filipino Social Studies This helps students become more globally competitive.  

4. Time Schedule

SLU BES has more than one time schedule for teaching with different durations. The implementation of the schedule usually depends on the weather conditions there. This is one of the things that is different from the system in Indonesia, in SLU BES it usually only takes about 50 minutes for each subject, and certain subjects such as science take place every day.

5. Assessments Beyond Written Exams  

Students at SLU BES are not only evaluated through written exams but also through various activities, such as:  

✅ Project-Based Tasks

Students create reports or works that demonstrate their understanding.  

✅ Presentations & Discussions

Public speaking skills are highly valued.  

✅ Daily Assessments Teachers conduct routine evaluations through quizzes or class discussions.  

6. Integration of Catholic Values  

As a Catholic-based school, SLU BES also instills moral and spiritual values in students' daily lives. The goal is to develop students who are not only academically excellent but also have good character. During class learning always begins and ends with prayer.

7. Technology-Supported Learning  

SLU BES integrates technology into education. Both students and teachers use Google Classroom and other digital platforms to access materials, submit assignments, and communicate effectively.