Freshman don’t take a year of history since it is replaced by GFS, Gibbons Freshman Seminar.
After not learning about history for a whole year, the switch back to history can be challenging.
Some sophomore students who are currently taking AP World History have found the switch difficult.
Kira White (class of 2027) is taking AP World History. She found it “weird.”
She decided to take this class because it helps boost her GPA, and since she has a brother who took the class last year, she decided to take it.
The most effective way to study, she said, is to go over the notes and watch Heimler’s History which is a very helpful youtube channel that explains the material in an effective way.
“I watched it before every single test and quiz, and it helps more than the notes. They both help, but he [Heimler] explains how you can remember more,” said White.
AP World History is a good class if you’re planning on taking AP U.S. History your junior year, since the writing style is already being taught to you.
Something White wishes she knew earlier was how to write the free-response questions required to know on the exam earlier, so she could have more time to practice before tests.
Sophia Ortego (class of 2027) is taking World History Honors. For her, the transition from GFS to World History Honors was easy.
“I heard that it was fairly easy, and I didn’t really wanna jump into an AP class, so I figured honors would be an easier way to start it, and I heard the teachers are good,” said Ortego.
Ortego says there wasn’t too much to study for. However, in the class, they take a lot of notes. Overall, the class was a lot about practicing the skills they learned by doing class reviews.
She likes that the class is more skill-based and how it can also help prepare her for AP U.S. History, which she is taking next year.
“I don’t feel I’m absorbing the content as much. It’s mostly skill-based, and I kind of wish I could have more knowledge to hold onto. If you ask me, what we kind of learned about, I couldn’t really tell you that much. I can’t recall very specifically, but, if you ask me to write about something, I would know how to write,” said Ortego.
While taking this class, everyone should stay focused, do their best work, don’t try to copy other peoples’ work, and to be diligent.
“It’s a good class, it’s like a pretty straightforward easy class. It’s also a lot of fun if you have Ms. Robbins,” said Ortego.
Ava Kelly (class of 2027) is currently taking CP World History. Kelly decided to take CP World History because she wants to focus more on science than on history.
Before entering the class, Kelly would’ve liked to know the amount of paper used.
“I wish I would have known the amount of paper that we used because we don’t do anything on the computer, everything is on paper and sometimes it gets a little hectic trying to keep up with which papers we’re supposed to turn in or which ones were not supposed to turn in,” said Kelly.
Kelly says that they only have started to receive quizzes in the second semester.
“If you just listen to what the teacher says and I guess if you really want to write down notes then take notes, then you’ll be fine, but she will post the notes,” said Kelly.
Even though she is not going to be taking AP U.S. History, she said that this class has helped her write historical essays.
“If you take World History, I have heard that Honors is literally the exact same thing. They just learn stuff a little bit faster, so you could go for Honors World. I don’t think it would be much harder than regular world like I took,” said Kelly.
The transition from having your history class replaced by GFS to suddenly having it your sophomore year is a different story for everyone, so when you step into your history class, go in and welcome it as a new experience.
