One distinct memory of freshmen orientation was sitting in the auditorium as an eighth grader and hearing the words “IB diploma” and “IB classes” over and over again. Even as a senior, I still hear these phrases all the time. I was never on board to take part in the IB curriculum. As an underclassman I struggled to maintain a B- in the honors classes I was taking, consequently, I decided that honors classes and IB classes were not for me. Instead I opted to take academy classes which is the best decision I’ve made with my time at Marshall.
Academy offers a hands on experience that I have yet to obtain from other classes. The academy teachers are professionals in their field of work. Listening to them speak about postsecondary education and careers is some of the most helpful advice I’ve gotten in high school.
The best thing about academy classes is that part of the course work is learning how to operate machinery and equipment relating to the class field. Tests and quizzes are nonexistent. The only assessments are producing final products such as short films. This unique structure made the class more impactful.
The difficult thing about the academy classes I took were that they were at Fairfax High School. Traveling to another school everyday is big chunk of time taken out of the day. I’m not at Marshall from the start of Learn to about the end of A Lunch every day.
It’s shocking how much of the faculty focuses on IB. The majority of underclassmen are most likely unaware that they can travel to another school and take a specialized class.
I know a lot of people enjoy IB classes. All my closest friends at this school take at least one IB class. It’s great how they can excel at it, but not everyone’s brain is hardwired to think and perform in the IB fashion.
There is a certain stigma towards students like myself that don’t take IB courses. I’ve been told by a handful of classmates that my classes don’t matter. Students don’t seem to understand that Photography at Marshall and Professional Studio Photography at Fairfax are two different courses focussing on separate lessons.
The only way to fix this disconnect is to put a spotlight on academy classes. Many people hear about academy classes through word of mouth and these course alternatives are not as ingrained into our heads as IB.
IB is great for students who are scholastically oriented, but the emphasis placed on these classes is not necessary for everyone. By putting an equal amount of focus on IB and academy classes as respectable options, everyone will be able to find their niche and academically prosper.