Seminole High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program has added three new subjects to the IB curriculum.  Beginning this year, IB students can enroll in IB Dance, IB Theater, and IB Art.

In all three classes, students are required to complete both an internal and external assessment. These assessments require a student to showcase their skill and knowledge in either dance, theater, or art. Internal assessments are presented in school and graded by the instructor, while external assessments are sent to the International Baccalaureate to be graded.

These subjects were introduced to Seminole High School’s IB program to allow students to fit activities they want to pursue into their busy schedules. By providing the IB students with an outlet to express themselves, students can push themselves in classes outside of their regular classes while still earning college credit.

Taking these classes are no less challenging than any other IB course. Students are expected to dedicate time to independently researching the field as well as completing external and internal assessments.

“[IB Theater] is a challenging class that requires a student who is open minded and willing to step out of their comfort zone,” says Junior Alexia Green.

IB Coordinator Mr. Carson Stone explains that the addition of these classes began back when IB Music was first introduced to Seminole.

“The students took a heavy interest in the subject” says Stone. He describes that the staff saw the potential in adding these subjects.

For now, these three classes are only offered as standard level (SL). Therefore, students remain in the class for only a year before taking the IB Exam in May. Stone speaks of the possibility of higher level (HL) versions, which would add another year to the course.

Freshman Saima Haseeb expresses her interest in IB Art by saying “[IB Art] would help in the future by building on my skills in art, which is used in various jobs.”

These new IB classes diversify an IB student’s schedule and provides them with the opportunity to exercise their talents beyond the academic aspects of IB, while providing the information and foundation for potential careers in the performing arts.