IBY1: Let’s Talk About It

The AISG class of 2022 started their first year of IB this semester. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, things this year have been a little different to say the least. From absent teachers and students to new schedule changes, many complications have arisen this year.

Several juniors are feeling nervous about starting IB as it is a notoriously difficult two-year process. Vikisha G. is feeling “quite nervous” about starting IB as it is known to be a very “vigorous and stressful program.”

Similarly, Helen W. says that IB will definitely be a challenge. She says that personally she thinks time management is something that she needs to improve upon because there is a lot of work to do every day and very limited time to do it. She also believes it is equally important to get enough sleep every night.

Jami R. feels anxious about the first year of IB since these two years are basically the defining years for her university/career path, “I’m constantly thinking about what I should be doing with my time and how I can devote more of it towards improving myself academically.”

Speaking of changes, hybrid learning is the new schedule format that was put in place to accommodate for the off-campus teachers and students. Jami R., who is currently in Australia, states that by having all her classes online she has noticed a decline in her physical activity because she is at her desk for the majority of her day, attending classes and doing homework. Vikisha G. said that hybrid learning has caused her lifestyle to fluctuate, she feels that one class period is not enough time to fully learn and understand the content. Davi M. has also been “greatly affected” by hybrid learning because he finds it harder to create a routine when he is not at school.

Despite the schedule and lifestyle changes students are having to make this year, there have been no major complaints regarding the new classes. Jami R. says that she’s really been enjoying all her classes so far. All of her teachers have done an amazing job of integrating lessons online and said “I don’t feel like I’m behind on work as an online student.” Helen W.’s courses have been great so far as well, though there are some challenging classes such as Math HL but she thinks she is capable of handling the workload. Davi M. says that with the exception of biology and art he shouldn’t have worried about deciding his HL and SL courses because they don’t seem so different to him.

Overall, thoughts on IB have varied from student to student. Vikisha G. doesn’t notice any significant difference with the workload this first month but is aware that as the year progresses, the assignments and assessments will eventually begin to accumulate, thereby creating a “very stressful year.” On the other hand, Helen W. says that although there is an increased workload, new teachers, and new classes being introduced to us, she believes that everyone can be successful with the right mindset and study habits. Jami R. believes that this first year of IB is going to be a “quite a defining year” as she’s still getting used to the workload, different teachers, and online-learning. “As I refine my study habits, learning techniques, and time management, I will, hopefully, still be intact by the time I graduate in 2022.”