Higher Level (HL) Mathematics Analysis and Approaches is one of the hardest IB subjects students can take. This year, the 11th graders in Pathways 3 and 4 have the new option to “off-ramp” HL math, meaning it is not a required HL class to take and students may choose to drop out at any point during the semester. The HL math classes are in the mornings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during period 1, starting at 8:10 am. There’s been a few students who have decided to drop-out, and when asked about why they decided to join, they said, “Why not, you know? It’s there for me anyway and if I like it, I’ll do it, and then if I don’t, I’ll just drop”.
The option to drop-out allows students to explore more about what’s suitable for them and their work ethics, because certain classes aren’t for everyone. The junior stated,“When we were doing the IB test, it was just a lot different from what we were doing before, and like a lot harder than I was expecting. I just didn’t really feel like I needed the extra stress of HL as well as SL [classes].”
There were a few changes with HL math this year and our wonderful teachers continue to adapt their curriculums to be best fit for their students. When asked about anything they would change about HL math, the student said, “Nothing, because I just feel like it wasn’t the right fit for me. I guess to not put it in the mornings because I feel like that turned a lot of people off of it…I feel like I’m a lot happier with my decision to do different classes.”
It’s important to remember that a class isn’t all about the circumstances or the teacher, but what feels best for each individual student. As a fellow HL Math student, the morning classes were almost a turn-off for me, but I knew that I learn best by being challenged, and it also felt reassuring knowing that I didn’t have to commit to whatever decision I chose – and that’s the decision that was best suitable for me. The IB curriculum is something we’re all being taught and we will all have our own rough patches throughout the program, so I wish everyone the best of luck in their IB journeys.
