On April 9, WIS 11th graders were informed of a major adjustment to IB assignment scheduling: the French A and Spanish A Individual Oral Examinations would be delayed by more than a month, from April 25 to May 30. Accounting for 20-30% of the final IB grade for that class, the oral examinations act as a critical milestone for Juniors. Its complex analysis of a global issue through both literary and non-literary texts demands thorough focus. This decision, meticulously discussed by school administrators and faculty, aimed to give students more preparation time and to feel more confident going into the assessments.
The change quickly became a large topic of interest among the junior class. Various perspectives have arisen regarding what this change would look like for students as the school year’s end approaches.
Overall, consensus among students shows relief, with many expressing gratitude for the extra preparation time.
“Orals are a very stressful thing, and I think around the student body everyone was feeling pretty unprepared,” Junior Mahina Diaz-Asper said. “I don’t think I talked to someone who was feeling absolutely prepared for the 25th date.”
With the newly adjusted deadline, French A and Spanish A classes now have the time to review in-depth oral expectations, analyse past examples and even undergo a mock examination.
“With this change, I’ll be able to practice excessively so that I really have it down,” Junior Karim N’Diaye said.
Nevertheless, some respectable concerns remain.
“May 30 is notably the Saturday before our final exams begin, and as juniors I know how incredibly important these exams are going to be,” Diaz-Asper said. With such proximity, students are now learning how to balance studying for the orals with the IB year one final exams.
Moreover, with the intensity of the fast-ending academic year, other obligations are rolling in.
“I signed up for the June SAT, and being able to balance finals, the SAT and now the [oral examinations], it’s going to be a bit more difficult,” Junior Nicolas Talapatra said.
Although this modification brings new considerations for 11th-grade students, there is still appreciation for the decision.
“[The extra time] allows me to prepare for other orals and other assignments, like the English Oral Examinations [on May 4 to 6],” N’Diaye said.
A large majority of students express that after extensive groundwork done in English classes—including two mock examinations and example analyses—they will benefit from the same attention to their respective language oral.
“Something that I would appreciate and need going forward is guidance on the oral and, at the same time, guidance on my final exams,” Diaz-Asper said.
With the right mindset, many students believe this trajectory opens up a more relaxed environment to perform at the highest level expected and possible.
*Note*: If any student wishes to discuss any inquiries, questions, or concerns regarding the adjustment, Ms. Gannon and the administrations’ doors are open.
