By Emma Chen and Jasmine Zhang
**The media below contains the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**
With course selection looming over students’ heads, it can become a bit overwhelming to consider all of the possible classes to take next school year. For freshmen in particular, there are a slew of classes offered for the upcoming school year that weren’t available before. Luckily, within the current sophomore class, there is trustworthy knowledge waiting to be shared. Over the past week, we conducted interviews with the sophomore students taking different levels of the four core subjects: Math, English, Science, and History.
Vestavia Hills High School has three main levels of math classes for sophomores to choose from: Algebra 2, Honors Algebra 2, and Accelerated Honors Algebra 2. We have input regarding the classes from anonymous students. For Algebra 2, “the workload is pretty manageable with not much homework. I would definitely recommend Algebra 2 if you are looking for a math class that doesn’t require you to put a lot of effort into it outside of class.” For Honors Algebra 2, a student said, “We do notes almost every day along with a lot of textbook work. My advice for the rising sophomores that are thinking about taking Honors Algebra 2 would be to pay attention in class and take good notes so it makes studying easier.” For Accelerated Honors Algebra 2, students advise, “I would talk to your math teacher to see if they’d recommend the class for you. Talk to an upperclassman who’s taken this class.”
Vestavia offers two levels of English classes for sophomores, English 10 and Honors English 10. I asked both classes what they typically do during class. English 10 writes essays and reads books throughout the school year, but they do not read as many books as Honors English. They also spend a lot of time with projects.
For English 10, a student explains, “We just finished a murder podcast in the first semester, and we are currently working on a narrative.” The workload for Honors English is a bit heavier, however many teachers give time in class to complete assignments or assign it weeks in advance before it’s due. An anonymous student said that their advice for the upcoming sophomores who are considering Honors English would be to participate during class discussions and activities since teachers take points for participation. Another student said, “Don’t wait until the last minute to do things. If you do them in small increments over time, it makes you less stressed out. Also, Honors English is more expectant when it comes to grading, so always make sure you are putting out your best effort.”
For the science department, there are three classes to select from: Physical Science, Chemistry, and Honors Chemistry. When asked about the workload, students reported that they rarely had homework in Physical Science. A big part of taking this class is participating and listening to the teacher. Chemistry is just a step up from Physical Science with numerous labs throughout the school year and a few projects. Also, Chemistry involves more math than Physical Science. There is often a lot of time to complete assignments in class, according to current students. Honors Chemistry is a step up from Chemistry. There is a lot of lab work and the class dives deeper into the content. The workload is also a bit more rigorous in this class. Students who take Honors Chemistry often are interested in a medical or science field as a potential job career in the future.
For those considering Honors Chemistry, current students offered, “If you are relatively good at math, you will do well in the class. When the teacher tells you to study, it probably means you have to study. There are things you’re not going to remember unless you put effort into studying. You have to ask questions.” Another student urges, “Remember your polyatomic ions! Also, watch Organic Chem Tutor on YouTube.”
Finally, we interviewed students from three levels of history classes. Vestavia offers US History, Honors US History, and Advanced Placement US History (APUSH). For US History, a student recommends, “Definitely take notes in this class and don’t be afraid to ask and answer questions during class because it helps you.” For Honors US History, a student advises, “It’s hard unless you take notes. It is good to study all of your materials from class.” History is the only core subject that has an option for sophomores to take an AP class. Students in Coach Morgan’s class leave those considering taking APUSH with this: “You absolutely need to read, and that’s coming from someone who does not read and suffers the consequences. You should read. You need to study.”
Course selection can be intimidating, so never hesitate to ask your teachers, siblings, and upperclassmen for their advice. Good luck!
Comments