High school, it is a place where everyone is supposed to try absolutely everything and explore every single aspect life offers. However, multiple students reach a point where there are more interesting classes to choose from than open periods in their schedules, and programs that require double periods are not fully beneficial.
Although there are academic classes like science and math that are considered double period, there are other classes that require the attendance of another class within the same career field. For instance, Bare Voices is not a double period class, but all members need to also be a part of Concert Choir, which is a different period.
Jason Miller, junior and member of Bare Voices, believes that having two classes helps prepare the student for a future in that field.
“It separates the most dedicated people and shows the people who really want to be there,” Miller said. “Not having a lunch affects relaxing time and/or homework time, but teachers in charge of the choir department are respectful of a student lifestyle. Because I’m used to having a double choir class, I guess I’m just used to doing my homework at home. Although it can be challenging to have two periods of choir, it’s worth it. Music helps me in school, and it’s what I want to do in my life.”
Miller thinks this type of schedule is only for those who want a career in that field in the future; however, these classes can also take away from other classes the high school offers. For example, those in Bare Voices are highly unlikely to be in other elective classes because even having a study hall and lunch is nearly impossible due to the constraints of required double periods.
Although a class like Bare Voices takes a lot of work and dedication, it still should not take away from the opportunities of other electives that are open to all students. Not having free time, as in a lunch or study hall, can lead to a decline in mental health and academic ability. Hungry students are more prone to headaches, stomachaches, and behavior problems and less able to concentrate in class, according to State of Health’s website.
However, school electives are not the only requirements that make scheduling difficult. Even graduating early is an option that needs much planning just to make it possible. Sabrina Walker, sophomore, is planning to graduate early and has combined her sophomore and junior year classes to create an overly filled schedule.
“I have a very limited amount of room [in my schedule] to ensure I earn not only my credits, but complete all the required classes before the end of next year,” Walker said. “This caused me not to have room for orchestra. Although, it did upset me not having room in my schedule to take Honors Choir and Studio Theater.”
Although Walker does not stress over the packed schedule, the road to graduating early is not an easy task for all students, nor is it meant for all students. However, the requirements of classes within the school do not make that decision any easier. Some class requirements are too much to handle and take away from the ‘high school experience’ that teachers and counselors encourage to embrace from the minute they walk through the doors the first day of freshmen year.
“Sure, the homework can be stressful at times, but I know that if I do my best, I can complete what is asked of me. Ultimately, my goals for my career come first,” Walker said. “Other students may not be able to handle a ‘tight schedule.’ It’s not easy to balance school, social, and personal lives together. It could cause one to make unhealthy choices. If you ever feel you are choosing between getting sleep, getting good grades, and hanging out with friends, you need to rethink or change your schedule.”
Although Walker is able to handle a schedule like this, a tight schedule is not for everyone. Downtime is a necessity to human life, and those with a packed schedule may have a harder time balancing homework and free time.
A study also shows that if students do not have down time during the day, it makes it harder for them to focus once it gets closer to the end of the day. If a student is able to have a break in between classes, it is shown that their brain activity increases than if that person were to continuously be learning and studying, according to State of Health’s Website.
Walker understands the emphasis on organization and planning when attempting an early graduation. Her early planning is what made this idea possible for her future.
“I fortunately have not had quite an issue with fitting in necessary classes in my schedule, but that is probably because I began planning out all three years of high school mid-freshman year to make sure it was possible for me to graduate early, and that I wasn’t just being overly ambitious,” Walker said. “I personally feel high school students are mature enough to know their wants, needs, and limits, and with that, can plan their school schedules accordingly.”
Although graduating early is a decision that can greatly affect a schedule, students do not need to follow that path just to fill a schedule. Classes that include two periods for one credit also push the flexibility for students’ schedules.
For example, double period math and science classes take up another elective, simply because the class needs the time to either cover more material or go in more depth. Although the amount of time helps the teachers with the structure of the class, it should not take up the schedule space or take away an opportunity from a student who is trying to figure out his or her way through high school.
All in all, class requirements make it hard for students to enjoy their high school experience because it takes away an open period that were made for students to explore all that the school has to offer.