AHS Offers AP Psychology
150 Students Take New Course
By Shravya Sathi
CO-EDITOR IN CHIEF
Around one hundred fifty students sign up for a new course, Advanced Placement Psychology, at Andover High School.
While AP Psychology was offered through Virtual High School previously, this is the first time it is being physically offered at AHS. The teachers for this course include Micheal McCarthy, Michelle Chachus, and Kathryn Vives, all of whom teach the half-year elective Psychology and Mental Health, offered in honors and CP-levels.
The idea of a psychology class mixed with the challenge of an AP course make it very appealing to students. “I don’t know if everybody wants to go into psychology,” said Vives, “but I think that there’s at least a nugget of interest that everybody holds, learning about the human brain psyche and why we behave the way that we do.”
The half year elective itself, was a popular choice, which could have lead to the large number of signups for the AP version. “I took the psychology elective sophomore year, and I had a great time with it, so I decided to take the AP version of the class,” reflected senior Aahana Tiku.
Many students are also interested in the subject itself. “I have a big fascination with how the brain and mind work,” said senior Mimi Cung, “I decided to take the AP course because I think it has more opportunities and will allow me to go more in depth.”
In this course, students are encouraged to take a hands-on approach to learning and participate in a lot of activities. There have been simulations, as well as different types of projects surrounding zombies, restaurants, the brain, and theme parks so far. “I like it a lot,” said senior Saima Rahman, “the work and activities we do in this class kind of connect to my other classes so I’m happy with the way it is structured.”
Through this approach, students are understanding and forming unique connections between the class, themselves, and beyond. “We are able to look at different perspectives and compare and contrast with our own experiences,” said Cung. “It is evident how we are able to apply these concepts to the outside world.”
While the course has been going well overall, the teachers have already seen some challenges with lesson plans and pacing.
“It’s so early,” said Vives, “I already see things from every unit, every lesson I’ve taught, that I’d like to change a bit for next year.”
Additionally, since the AP exam will be held during the first week of May, there is great pressure on the teachers to finish the course by that date. “It’s just very hard to judge how fast we have to move through the content,” reflected Vives.
