Throughout their four years of high school, students sign up for many different electives in multiple different departments, and go through a multitude of experiences throughout their time in the classes. Hollis/Brookline’s electives cover a wide range of departments (social studies, english, science, mathematics, physical education, computer & technology education, and family & consumer sciences), and provide students the opportunity to pick and choose electives and gain experience in multiple fields throughout their high school career. Whether a student wants to learn how to bake and cook in Foods & Nutrition classes, or learn about film history and movie techniques in Film Studies, there are options for almost anything when it comes to electives.
Electives are a good opportunity for students to pick and choose what kind of classes are fun for them, and they also help them broaden their horizons as far as their education is concerned. The classes all analyze and go into detail about different educational paths, and appeal to students in more ways than one. Jared Noftle, ‘14, has taken electives for four years, and knows which classes entertain his interests. “Film studies is my favorite elective. Not only does this class analyze different genres of films from past to present, but it’s also taught by Ms. Calo,” Noftle said.
On the other side of the spectrum, away from the english side, are the family and consumer sciences classes. These classes appeal to some of the real aspects of life for students. Jonathan Northcott, ‘14, took the Personal Finance elective, and was happy with the results of the class. “Personal finance. Mr. Illingworth is a fantastic teacher and the class provided real world skills that I use now and will continue to use for the rest of my life,” Northcott said. Another class in this electives category would be the Foods & Nutrition classes, where students learn how to work in the kitchen and go in depth into the making of food, and the possible dangers with some foods. Wesley Mansfield, ‘15, took the first portion of the class, Foods & Nutrition I, and said, “Foods is a good class that you can unwind and really get down and dirty with the material.”
Electives are a fun way for students to take classes outside of their required courses, and provide students with an escape from large amounts of stress. The classes are meant to expand the educational horizons of students, and signing up for these courses will not disappoint any student.