As course selection continues at South Lakes, sophomores begin thinking about what path they want to continue for the rest of their high school years.
Some can choose to go for either the standard or advanced diploma, but others go for either of the IB pathways. South Lakes is one of eight schools in FCPS that offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. The IB program aims to educate students about their mindset and equip them with necessary skills for the world after high school.
At South Lakes, students who wish to partake in the IB program have two options: the IB Diploma (IB DP) and the IB Career-related Program (IB CP). The IB Diploma required one IB class from each of the six core subjects, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, and an extended essay. IB CP does not require all six core IB subjects, but does require a career-related study class.
“I wanted to challenge myself, and doing IB looks good and helps prepare me for college applications,” Sophomore Erica Ocansey explains. “I’m looking forward to the different and creative assignments instead of the more traditional assignments I’m doing now.”
“It’s definitely more challenging, which I’ve seen from people who have done it and from online research, but I also learned it is advantageous for students since IB students have a better chance of getting into some colleges,” Sophomore Katie Bagley says. “I’m doing the IB diploma, mainly because it is more helpful for getting into college and preparation for that, but I don’t have a career path following the classes they provide.”
Sophomore Kyra Huppi also elaborates on her intentions for the IB Diploma.
“A lot of my siblings have done IB here prior to me being at South Lakes and it pushed my interest a lot. I wanted to be challenged and learned a lot of my friends are also planning to pursue the IB Diploma,” Huppi explains. “I look forward to the experience, being challenged, meeting new teachers and being with my friends, and I think it’ll be good for me,” Huppi continues.
Many students at South Lakes met with IB Coordinator Ms. Turner, and have begun to determine their future with IB at South Lakes.
