This past Monday, May 11, about 30 students entered the Hingham High School Library at half past eleven to prepare for their end-of-course AP exam that took place from twelve to two. The particular exam involved only four questions. The first three questions were about a passage: the first asked for its main idea, the second asked to connect the author’s subclaims and follow their line of reasoning, and the final asked to evaluate the evidence used to support the author’s claims or counterarguments. Despite the effort the students in the class have put in over the past couple of weeks, it only counts for 45% of their overall AP score, unlike most other AP exams that wholly determine AP score.
AP Seminar is a part of the capstone program, which consists of AP Seminar and a second course, AP Research, that many students in their high school careers eventually end up taking, as the two courses are similar. The AP Capstone program focuses on critical thinking skills and communication, as students conduct research for the topic of their choice for their overall project; those projects count as the students’ other part of their AP score. In AP Seminar, there are two major projects. The first is PT1, which involves an Individual Research Report as a 1,200-word paper and then an 8-10 minute team presentation. Then there is PT2, which consists of a 2,000-word paper and then a 6-8 minute individual presentation. Although it is a lot of work, most students find the class very rewarding.
Gabby Sacco, a sophomore who is currently taking AP Seminar, said in response to the question of whether she had the choice to go back in time, would she take it again, “I would definitely take it again, as I have found it to not only strengthen my researching skills, which will need to be perfected by the time I reach college, but the class has also given me a lot more confidence when it comes to public speaking. At the beginning of the year, I was not as strong when it came to speaking in front of an audience, but now I can do it with ease. I would recommend to everyone to continue to take this class, as there are countless benefits.”
Liana Melgoza is also a sophomore who is taking Seminar, and she said in response to the question of whether she would recommend this class to underclassmen, “I look forward to this class every day! Yes, it does require ample work, but I believe that this class has benefited me the most. I’ve gained a lot of confidence through public speaking, and I also feel a lot more prepared to write research papers. This class has been so much fun, and I love learning about new things every class. Not only has research helped me with my overall knowledge of the world, but it has also encouraged me to be more aware of the world around me.”
Ms. Garland, the teacher of the class, does an incredible job preparing her students for all parts of the exams. Moreover, she also discusses current events with them, making sure her students are updated and know what is happening around them. Overall, for the students at Hingham High School who take the class, AP Seminar is a great step toward their futures, and one of the classes that students always find to be a challenge in the best way possible.
