Story by Ashleigh Heaton
Entertainment Editor

Video by Chloe Lanier
KCBY Broadcast Reporting

Though the students of Coppell High School are almost done with their first semester of the year, many have been too wrapped up in their own studies to notice the uniqueness of another faucet of the school: the IB program. With just over 40 junior students enrolled, it sanctions a small but distinct part of the high school’s structure – a program that is expected to grow in the upcoming years due to its unorthodox teaching methods.

The International Baccalaureate (or IB) program at CHS is made for students who not only want to challenge themselves academically but also personally. It is through rigorous class work, community service and outside activities with fellow peers that these students gain intellectual and community awareness that make up their diploma.

“Overall, in the IB classes, it ends up being more about the depth of what is being studied and trying to get overall skills of research and writing,” IB chemistry teacher and program coordinator Jeb Puryear said.

Though the program may sound daunting, program coordinators of the CHS branch have been working hard to keep the students excited and engaged with their studies.

The IB program requires 150 CAS (creative, action, and service) hours from each student by the end of the two year program to qualify for IB recognition upon graduation. Creative hours can be procured from participating in band, art or other fine art programs around the school; service hours from community activeness. As for action hours, CHS has been creative when thinking up opportunities for students that both get them active and are fun for all to participate in. The first of these ideas was the tradition of weekly soccer games.

 “We are looking to the students to come up with new ideas [for outside activities],” IB English teacher Michael Vergien said. “We try to do what the kids want.”

Though the soccer games continue to be a beneficial and enjoyable outlet for students, other activities outside of school include going to watch The Invention of Lying to discuss alongside the program’s weekly Theory of Knowledge seminar or traveling to Goatman’s bridge in Carrolton and telling scary stories around Halloween time. One idea thought up by students was going for a hike on a Saturday morning, which ended with students reflecting on the experience through writing as well as leading a discussion that tied in with their English class’ required reading, Walden and Civil Disobedience.

 “We get to be with the kids in our classes in a different environment and recognize the other side of everyone,” junior IB student Judy Hong said. “Hopefully it is the fun side [of everyone]!”

In the future, the IB coordinators plan on continuing with the weekly soccer games and the occasional hike through the woods to keep the students engaged in the IB curriculum and well-acquainted with their fellow peers. It just goes to show that, when it comes to IB, school is not just about school work: it’s about growing together as students and as human beings.