Jimmy Zheng, Class II
Courtesy topvectors from Public Domain Pictures.
Disclaimer: This article contains both genuine information and satire! Please make your judgment accordingly.
As the spring season approaches, it means two things: the cherry blossoms outside the school begin to bloom and Class III begin to submit their IB Preferences for the following year. While some have already made their decision, others are still hesitant, and so, we’ve collected some input from Class II and Class I about the electives to help guide you.
IB Chemistry:
Have an affinity for the sciences or have been conditioned into becoming a doctor? Well, IB Chemistry is the perfect class for you. Arguably the hardest elective class, prepare to be constantly humbled for the next 2 years in your journey to understanding stoichiometry, the molecular foundations of physical life, and the answer to the ultimate question: is water wet? The course challenges discipuli in their ability to apply practical and investigational skills in the exploration of chemical principles that built our physical environment and all biological systems. And having been described as “fast-paced,” “painful,” and regents chemistry on steroids, the class truly pushes its discips to the limit with a heavy workload and weekly quizzes; nevertheless, it ensures success for those wishing to pursue careers related to chemistry (plus there’s a curve).
IB Computer Science:
IB Computer Science —a jank version of Harvard’s CS50— focuses much less on coding itself, but rather on the application of code. In other words, the class has discipuli focused on how computer science interacts with and influences cultures, society and how individuals and societies behave, and the ethical issues involved. And as day-to-day instructions (Year 1) mainly consist of analyzing algorithms and fixing ‘broken’ code, the content can be a bit rudimentary, and with a heavy focus on memorization, it means a lot less coding is actually being done. Nevertheless, discipuli relatively enjoy the course, describing it as “chill” and “critically engaging,” and stating that they believe the course covers the necessities and that it acts as a great outlet for new coders, but others have argued that the curriculum can be a bit chaotic and outdated.
IB Spanish:
Is it your dream to travel to Spain and meet the love of your life? Well, be one step closer to that dream and take IB Spanish. Take a Spanish class like no other and explore global news, in Spanish, history (in Spanish), and media, all in SPANISH. While a slight change from Spanish 1 or 2, the course is similar to Spanish 3 as content between the two overlaps. It can also be extremely challenging as the course calls for heavy commitment and dedication to meaningfully better oneself in the language. But through the course, discipuli will deepen their understanding of the language (from grammar to conversing) in a manner that will allow them to appreciate the language’s beauty and Spanish culture. Although some discipuli were hesitant in their decision, overall, they were happy with their choices, deeming the class as “buena” y “diferente a las otras asignaturas optativas.”
IB World Religion:
Picture this: you’re taking a test and instead of studying, you were goofing off, and now, you’re paying the price, and in sheer desperation, you begin praying to all and any beings from above. Anyways, learn about these higher beings in IB World Religion. The course explores the various religions that exist in a manner that both challenges and is enjoyable for discipuli. Additionally, it seeks to promote an awareness of religious issues in the contemporary world by indulging in the study of a broad range of religions. Discips will demonstrate such understanding and awareness through a series of presentations and quizzes, with everything leading up to a greater goal of understanding both an individual’s and others’ spiritual beliefs better. The course requires a considerable amount of reading (religious texts), but those who’ve taken the course describe it as “accepting“ and taught without being “pressured into thinking one religion is correct or more superior.”
IB Visual Arts:
Did you grow up drawing or hearing “hey, that looks good!!” Consider taking IB Visual Arts, learn about the artistic processes and explore different art mediums, from ink to photography; it’s a course that encourages discipuli to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Discipuli, who take the course, admit that they underestimated the workload and academic aspect of the class. Although discipuli have time to do their projects in class, they often feel like there’s not enough time given. Additionally, discips are expected to be able to reflect on their own product, research, and provide commentary on other artists’ work, along with giving critiques on their peer’s work. Described as “chill” and “interesting,” IB Visual Arts requires discipuli to maintain a consistent level of commitment with the intention of providing them lifelong enrichment through creative exploration, experimentation, and reflection.
IB Theatre:
Do you ever want to disassociate from reality and live out your own Shakespearean love story? Well, IB Theatre is just the class for you! Unlike a traditional theatre class, the course isn’t so much focused on acting, but rather its key focus is on a discipuli's ability to read, interpret and analyze a play and their ability to grasp an in-depth understanding of theories regarding theatre acting techniques. It encourages discipuli to work as inquisitive and imaginative artists, and their abilities to transform ideas into action and communicate them to an audience; not necessarily through their acting abilities but through their own theatrical writing. Discipuli taking the course compared it to a more intensive English class, describing it as “English class on steroids” yet “engaging.” (Note: according to the IBO, the IB Theatre curriculum is expected to be updated for the following year)
IB Greek:
To be honest, ask one of the Greek magistri; insufficient information was obtained for this course.
Nevertheless, the decision you make here won’t haunt you forever, pick whatever course that interests you as the majority of discipuli surveyed said that they don’t regret their choices. Bonam fortunam!!
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