New Year, New Classes

By Thad Worth

At the end of each year students request the classes that they wantto take the next year. Some of the classes are required, such as math, history, English, science, religion, theology, PE, world language and computer science. Others are fine arts credits which a student must have taken at least two semesters of a fine arts class by the time that they graduate. These include classes such as ceramics, graphic design, sculpting, band, yearbook and journalism. Finally, there are electives, or courses that students have the option to take. Some electives include World War I/ World War II, personal finance, psychology, and public speaking. These offer opportunities for students to study subjects that interest them in depth, and learn more about them then what they would have normally learned. In the past few years, Bishop Ireton has focused on expanding its STEM program (science, technology, engineering, and math). B.I. has especially built up its technology programs, with 17 computer/technology courses. Courses include Web Page Design and Multimedia, Cybersecurity I and II, and Honors STEM Guitar, where students build their own electric guitar. Engineering has three courses, Introduction to Engineering Design, Honors Principles of Engineering, and Honors Digital Electronics. Science has not been forgotten, with 12 classes offered, from Biology to AP Chemistry. The mathematics department offers 14 courses including eight AP (Advanced Placement) or honors classes. These challenge students to go beyond their comfort zone and learn new concepts. One student, Tyreke Fairclough is a rising senior and is looking forward to his classes next year. Tyreke plans to major in cybersecurity in college. This is why he is taking Cybersecurity I and II. Tyreke also wants totake US & VA Government,Intro to Probability andStatistics, Active Physics,and Theology of the Body.He suggests that risingJuniors take Anatomy orArt, saying that studentshave the opportunity todo fun projects in bothclasses.