Scheduling around this time of the year can be scary, nerve wracking, maybe even exciting. If you’re unsure about what classes to take, some students have added insight on what classes they’re taking next year.

As exciting as scheduling is, now there’s new courses. With more class options, more students are thrilled.

“I am really excited for my classes next year, but I think I’m the most excited for AP Bio!” said sophomore Madison Eroh.

Freshwater biology, a recurring course at Pottsville, is the scientific biological study of freshwater ecosystems. This field seeks to understand the relationships between living organisms in their physical environment. These physical environments may include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, or wetlands.

However, science has many topics. Another science class provided is physics. That course provides skills biology can’t, and vice versa.

“I’m taking physics because in order to be a mechanical engineer, you have to take that class. I hope to get at least two letters from colleges interested in my presence,” said sophomore Luke Gustas.

Journalism, designed to provide journalism skills, includes training in reporting and writing articles on current events, public issues, personalities, culture and entertainment on multiple publishing platforms. Students will cultivate a platform-agnostic view of publication as they maintain a news outlet.

“Scheduling my classes felt great because I now feel very prepared for the next school and what’s to come. During the meeting in the auditorium, things like journalism and publications interested me because that is something I want to do out of college.” Said freshman Elena Holden

Drama II is an advanced scene study class that focuses on developing a process for performing non-realistic, “heightened” acting texts. Students will encounter plays that present unique challenges for actors in terms of language, physicality, characterization, style, content and text analysis.

Where’s all the art? Well, the main goal of this Ceramics lll is that you will be able to create as well as appreciate expressive, beautiful three dimensional clay forms. You will have an understanding of other cultures and periods of human expression in clay and finally you will begin to be proficient at forming clay objects yourself.

“Scheduling this year for me was harder than expected because I have to figure out which honors I want to take and if I should take them at all. I am taking a lot of interesting classes, but the one I find most interesting is Music Theory. Music Theory goes along with some of my top career choices after high school so I’m excited to take that class next year,” said freshman Maya Johnson

Not only do we have physical art, but digital! Graphic Design is a course that explores graphic communication through the understanding of the elements and principles of design. As well as, the design process, from idea development through the final execution of a document.

Photoshop is a “raster-based” editing application. Raster-based editing applications use pixels to create images. Millions of pixels of different colors combine to make up the image. When you zoom in, you can see the individual pixels, but from afar, they are unnoticeable. After taking this graphics course, you’ll have more skills in digital design.

Video production coursework often includes lectures as well as practical experience in writing a script, shooting and editing a video to create a final product. Courses in video production provide both technical and artistic instruction.

If you’re interested in any of these courses, talk to your guidance counselor about taking them, or simply put them on your schedule.