Opinions Can I ask you a question about IB?

Wesley Harrison Editor-in-Chief

Every year around the start of the second semester, sophomores are presented with options as to what they will do with the rest of their high school career. Students are presented with many options as to what class they can choose, but for advanced students, the most advocated choice is to partake in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

The IB program offers multiple different options to juniors and seniors as to what classes they can take. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) requires seven IB classes, the IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP) requires three IB classes, and an IB Scholar is a student who chooses to take IB classes with their normal schedule.

IB encourages students to drive their own learning. Their open curriculum allows students to explore their own interests in a variety of topics while still reaching graduation requirements. Students in IB programmes also become more culturally aware of the world and it prepares them to be parts of advanced educational programmes world-wide.

IBDP has students graduate with a secondary world-renown diploma that exemplifies the rigor they’ve completed and highlights their search for further knowledge. IBCP gives students a certificate for their rigor and teaches them applicable life skills such as resume writing and public speaking.

Students report consistent stress due to the high expectations associated with the program. A study by the University of South Florida reports that IB students react less favorably to high-pressure environments. This struggle leads their friendships and social skills to suffer.

The IB program both challenges students to critically think, with class like History of the Americas and Theory of Knowledge promoting deeper consideration of the world of around them, but it also increases students stress to an unmanageable place

This leaves me with this question: Is it really worth it to do the IB?

In my opinion, no, it’s not worth it. The high levels of stress are not worth the slight boost in GPA nor the potential college credit. In addition, due to the wider mark band for IB, students generally need to score higher on IB exams to receive the same credit as students that completed AP exams

However, I think that not taking any IB classes is a bad idea, they help prepare you to think critically overall. The best choice is IBCP, the program allows students to balance their schedule while also taking as much rigor as they want. The program also allows students to explore their chosen career options.

Students who are struggling with their IB classes or course load can seek help at the Marietta Student Life Center down on Lower B Hall. Their resources help to combat the stress associated with the more rigorous courses.

And finally, sophomores, when you choose your option for the rest of high school, make sure to consider all the opportunities available.

Agree? Disagree? Let me know on Instagram @mhspitchfork or email pitchfork@marietta-city.k12.ga.us. Also, see school news on p. 5 for more information.