The IB program is meant to provide new, exciting opportunities for all students — but some are still apprehensive. Not everyone is interested in the stress of the IB Diploma program.
“It sounded cool. But they were promoting like the whole nine yards,” freshman Azeil McConnel said. “I’m just trying to get past high school. Like, regular classes with great grades is my goal.”
Freshman Trait Montero agreed. “Advanced classes sound cool, but I struggle a lot. I’m not sure how a 504 and IEP work with advanced stuff.”
This year’s freshmen are a full year away from deciding whether they want to take IB courses or try the diploma program. Still, in November, freshmen were required to attend an interest meeting for IB during Viking Time.
“I don’t think anyone in our grade really cares about it,” Montero said. “The only people really caring are people that have their life all laid out.”
Sophomores, on the other hand, are the first to choose whether or not to take IB classes. In the coming weeks, students will make decisions on their course schedule for next year.
“The thing that scares me is it’s still an unknown thing,” sophomore Abby Landes said. “I just hope everything goes well. And we all get good-ish grades.”
Since their freshman year, sophomores have been aware of this new program coming to Valley. Some are making plans to pursue the diploma program, others are interested in just a few classes.
Landes is looking to take classes in a couple subjects, hoping to step up her academics in English, science and theater.
“The ones I want to do are kind of my strong suits,” Landes said. “It’s still gonna be hard because it’s the IB program, but I feel like it’s gonna be easier for me.”
Sophomore Levi Kneeland shares Landes’ interest in IB courses, but they don’t see IB courses fitting into their schedule.
“There’s definitely a lot of possibilities that I want to pursue. I’m just trying to figure out what best to prioritize,” Kneeland said.
Still, Kneeland is concerned about the additional stress this program may cause students, concerned about how parents might force their kids to take these difficult courses.
“It can be pressuring with all of the extra things that we have going on,” Kneeland said.
