The Student News Site of Bryan High School

The Norseman

The Norseman

The Norseman

Former BHS IB Students

The Bryan High School International Baccalaureate Program
 
What former BHS IB students say about the program
Admittedly, when first pondering whether to participate in the IB program I was somewhat skeptical. However, looking back in retrospect it has easily been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. To begin, the IB program challenged me academically with rigorous courses very similar to the ones I now take in college. Moreover, the rigorous courses made me a very proficient writer, which has invaluably served me in college. In my opinion, the structure of the program is set up to create well-rounded students, who excel in all subjects. The teachers I had were incredibly passionate about their respective subjects, and in turn this passion was transferred to me. But perhaps the most beneficial thing I have taken from the IB program is an undying intellectual curiosity and a profound appreciation for other cultures. The program has undoubtedly taught me how to think for myself, and has continued to help me to this day. I would recommend this program to anyone without hesitation!
Jerry Ramirez
BHS Class of 2013

Program was one of the most helpful and beneficial parts of preparing for college. It not only provides you with credit hours, but truly prepares you for university-level coursework. With such a strong focus on writing and analytical thinking, the IB program concentrates on many of the same skills necessary for and at a level that is expected of college students. Beyond that, its liberal arts curriculum inspires students to learn, not just memorize facts or cram for exams. It’s a wonderful stepping stone from high school to college and participating in the diploma program was one of the best decisions I made.
John Fuller
BHS Class of 2012

Thanks to dedicated teachers and exceptional classmates, my experience in the International Baccalaureate program continues to have a positive impact on my life after high school. Most obviously, the IB program gave me an opportunity to strengthen certain skills and acquire new ones in the high school setting that have proven to be indispensable in college. As an academic experience, the program prepared me well for the college workload and learning style, and I believe that any academic success that I’ve had in college has come from the efforts of the outstanding high school teachers who encouraged hard work, a healthy dose of challenge and failure, and a focus on what was being learned as opposed to the grade that was being earned. In addition to this, the IB program encouraged me to think about how I spend my time outside of the classroom, whether that means volunteering with a group in the community or keeping commitments to extra-curricular activities such as music or athletics. Emphasis on engaging in a well-rounded curriculum and a variety of activities outside of the classroom that I had in IB has carried over into college and helped me become a more well-rounded individual, both scholastically and personally, than I would have been otherwise. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the IB program at Bryan High taught me the importance of good written and verbal communication skills while also providing an environment in which to develop them. This has undoubtedly had a positive impact academically, but I think that the impact it has had on personal interaction is larger still. Whether with friends, classmates, or professors, it is important to listen and articulate well and to be able to develop those relationships as is appropriate. In these ways, the IB program prepared me not only for the academic rigor of college but also the challenges of engaging successfully in community and society.
Emily Peirce
BHS Class 2011

Donate to The Norseman