What To Expect During Face-to-face Classes in The New Normal

Heads up to parents and school-goers!

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | October 06, 2021

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Ilocos, pandemic, guidelines, new normal, face to face classes, the new normal, what to expect, online class and face to face class

Image: DepEd Tayo Ungos Integrated NHS - Quezon Province Facebook page

After a year and a half under the pandemic, the Philippines is finally reopening schools for the limited face-to-face classes (F2F) classes in the new normal approved by President Rodrigo Duterte. In a joint circular signed by the Department of Education (DepED) and the Department of Health (DOH), they listed guidelines that consulted with experts in child health, families of learners, and local government units (LGUs).

Under the guidelines, the pilot runs for the F2F will be done in 120 schools and will mainly focus on those under Key Stage 1 learners (Kinder to Grade 3). The included schools shall pass their LGU’s and DepEd’s School Readiness Assessment. Schools that pass the assessment from DepEd and their respective LGUs will be allowed to conduct distance learning and physical classes.

Guidelines from DepED covers class sizes, teaching approach, teacher workload, learning resources, and school activities.

Class sizes
● Maximum of students vary per level
○ 12 students for Kinder
○ 16 students for Grades 1 to 3
○ 20 students for Senior High School in classroom
○ 12 students for SHS in workshops or laboratories

Teaching and learning approach
● There would be alternate weeks for distance and F2F classes (1 week for each)
● Class schedules are set in balance to let students get permission from their parents/guardians when it comes to F2F classes
● One teacher per class for Key Stage 1 Learners
● SHS students will be allowed F2F for subjects that need laboratories or workshops. The remaining subjects are under distance learning
● Students must stay 4.5 hours maximum in school, with the exception of Kindergarten (3 hours maximum)

Teacher workload
● Teachers’ workloads should be 6-hour maximum per day.
● Instructional time shall be allotted for the following: reviewing previous lessons, teaching content, providing remediation, and conducting classroom assessment of learning.

Learning resources
● F2F classes will use textbooks
● Modules for distance learning with supplemental learning resources

School activities
● No group works will be allowed that involves close contact
● Activities and large gatherings are not allowed
● Break times are staggered

A different set of rules are also included that highlights the protection of students and teachers—it covers contact tracing, vaccination concerns, coordination mechanisms, and psychological support.

Contact tracing
● Schools will have to coordinate with LGU if a student or teacher is a probable or confirmed positive case.
● Schools must be prepared to transition from F2F to distance learning if the school needs to be on lockdown.

Vaccination
● Schools shall screen vaccination of children
● LGUs or private pediatricians should cooperate to complete vaccines
● Teachers should also coordinate with their LGU to get vaccinated under the A4 category.
● Vaccination is not mandatory, but classroom learning will be limited to teachers who are vaccinated.

Coordination mechanism
● Schools must cooperate with their respective LGU’s Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) to ensure that all protocols are being correctly followed.
● Clinic teachers, school nurses, or health personnel must be present at a school clinic during F2F days.
● Preventive Alert System in Schools (PASS) shall operate regularly, and teachers shall do health inspections frequently.
● Parents and guardians must be informed and oriented about the safety requirements for picking up and dropping off and others.
● Families must coordinate with the school regarding updates on students’ health status.

Earlier in 2020, schools were closed across the globe and shifted to online classes. It was seen as a concern to many because of poor internet connection and lack of devices. Due to this, many students, parents, and teachers plead to the government to reopen schools.

As of writing, the official date to start the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes has yet to announce.


Visit Yoorekka Consumer Magazine for more updates, guidelines, and happenings in Ilocos and Northern Luzon!


All details and information in this article are true and accurate as of the publication date. However, while we are making our utmost effort to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the condition surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be unpredictable, and the situation develops rapidly. Hence, some information and recommendations may have changed since this article was published. For the latest advice, visit DOH and your LGU's official websites.


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About Denisse Shawntel Tan

Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.

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