Atherton is one of six schools in Kentucky with the IB program and testing season is now underway for everyone taking IB courses.
IB stands for International Baccalaureate, the program focusing on inquiry-based learning, global perspectives, and critical thinking. IB’s classes are more rigorous than others, having a higher workload, and utilizing multiple internal assessments, projects, and final exams.
With the end of the year coming close, the IB exams have started. On Tuesday, April 28, the IB Physics exam started at 12:30. This is the first IB exam, which will lead into many exams such as IB HOTA, IB HL (Higher Level) English, and IB SL (Standard Level) Math. In total, 24 exams will be taken.
Students have studied and completed multiple assessments throughout the year in order to complete the IB requirements. With the final stretch being upon us, the Aerial interviewed seniors in the IB pathway to get their opinion on IB being almost over.
John Sheesley (12) is a full IB student which requires taking three HL and three SL courses. As a full IB student, Sheesley is also required to complete a course called Theory of Knowledge, write a 4,000-word Extended essay, and document 150+ hours of CAS activities to meet the IB requirements.
“I took IB film, and then I have IB HL English, IB SL Math, IB HL HOTA, and IB HL Bio. It’s a really busy schedule but I feel very successful when I get something done because it’s a very heavy course load,” Sheesley said.
Sheesley notes how the programs prepare you for college, but realizes what challenges come with the program.
“Sometimes being a full IB student is very difficult and very stressful, but ultimately I think it was the right choice for me. I don’t think it’s the right choice for everyone, but I think it’s trained me for college and got me ready for having a heavy workload for the rest of my life,” said Sheesley.
Concerning testing, Sheesley is eager to feel liberated from the pressure.
“It was worth my while, but I am excited for it to be over and away because I’m ready for the break. My testing schedule is around two tests a week, which really means two classes a week. It’s like four out of every five days, or two weeks are busy taking a test. It’s a lot of studying, but ultimately when it’s over it’s going to be like the biggest breath of fresh air,” Sheesley said.
Madeline Fountain (12) is taking IB SL English, IB SL Analysis and Approaches, and IB French 4. Fountain also observes IB’s difficulty, but advises how she comes up with solutions to compensate.
“It’s been fairly difficult trying to manage all the work with the three classes. I have daily homework and I’m not very good at remembering to do it because I have ADHD. Time management is not a strength. I try to stay after because it’s easier to focus in the school building,” Fountain says.
Fountain’s plans for the IB tests are to not stress and go with the flow.
“Honestly, I am usually pretty well under pressure (test pressure, specifically), so I’m not very concerned about it. I’m not much of a study person either, so I’m just going to go in with whatever knowledge I have from the classes every day. My testing schedule is fairly sparse compared to some other IB students. I only have the IB SL Analysis and Approaches and the IB French exams, so there’s not too many to do for me,” says Fountain.
Emmalynne Harrity (12) is taking IB English HL and IB SL Film. IB Film is an elective that requires students to complete three assessments in the spring semester. Harrity’s primary focus in IB testing is English. Harrity also compliments IB’s help in preparing students in college-readiness.
“I definitely feel like I’m more college-ready, especially since I’m going into more of an academically focused school. I feel like IB and the teachers that I’ve had have really helped me prepare myself for a higher workload, as well as just deeper thought in general. Overall though it can be difficult, it will be helpful in the long run,” Harrity says.
Although nervous for the English test, Harrity plans to try to stay calm.
“I’m a little nervous for the English test. I’m struggling to prepare and study for it, but I think I’ll be okay. I just have to make sure I pace myself correctly. I now know how it feels to finish all of my IB testing since the film section has wrapped up, so I’m excited for that release with the English test,” says Harrity.
No matter how many tests you are taking, the Aerial wishes Atherton’s IB testers good luck!
