By Arayana Harris
“Varina AP Central: The Road to College” is a website developed by teachers to inform students and parents about the benefits of advanced placement courses.
The website includes six videos, sample syllabi, summer reading assignments and a recommended reading list for potential advanced placement students.
Video topics include the “Importance of Reading,” “Studying for AP,” “Taking Advantage of AP,” “Balancing Your Workload,” “Using Your Summer” and “Is AP for You?”
Communications and English 10 teacher Lindsey Martin designed the website using Word Press. Center for Communications sophomores produced the videos posted on the website. Mrs. Martin said the website explains the expectations for students who enroll in advanced placement courses.
“The aim is to get more students involved with advanced placement courses and to help students understand what advanced placement courses entail, and how they benefit you in the long run as students,” Mrs. Martin said. “We think the website could be an excellent portal for students and parents who want to learn more about AP.”
Communications and AP English 11 teacher Lesley St. James is the co-chair of the staff personal learning community responsible for the website. Mrs. St. James said she encourages parents to use the website.
“As much as we like to think that juniors and seniors are mature, and for the most part they are, they are still kids. They still need the guidance and encouragement of their parents to do well in AP,” Mrs. St. James said.
Center for Communications junior Keven Page worked on the “Importance of Reading” video. His group wrote a standup, interviewed teachers and students and edited the footage using Final Cut Pro.
“I was happy with the final video because the people we interviewed gave good answers, so that was a plus,” Keven said.
Junior Taylor Loving, who is enrolled in AP Environmental Science and AP English, worked on the video “Balancing Your Workload.” She said editing the video packages was difficult because of multiple interviews and B-roll of students in a variety of classroom situations. It was also the class’s first time editing video packages.
Senior AP student Chelsea Jones said the website gives information on preparation for an AP class and the importance of the class. She said it is important for everyone to understand how AP can impact education after high school.
“Preparing for college life can prevent you from crashing and burning,” Chelsea said.
Mrs. St. James said the website helps to prepare students for the rigor of advanced placement classes.
“You will see what the work load will be like, what things you will be reading and the activities you will be doing,” Mrs. St. James said. “So you’re not going in blind or cold. You will have an idea of what will be asked of you.”
Future plans for the website include a calendar posting all testing and tutoring dates, test payment plan information, an AP checklist and frequently asked questions.
Center for Communications television instructor Melissa Carothers, who took AP classes in high school, worked with the sophomores on the videos and website.
“The most enjoyable aspects were interviewing teachers on the subject of AP and finding out just how passionate the teachers are about their subject matter and about AP and the benefits for students,” Mrs. Carothers said. “The website is an easy place for students and parents to learn more about AP classes offered at Varina, what the schedule is like, what the benefits are and just a place where, if they ever have a question, they can get an answer.”
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