Top 5 Great but Overlooked Classes at UHS

Do you have an empty slot in your class schedule for next year? Are you unsure of what courses to take? Check out this list of the top five overlooked but great classes here at Urbana High School to help you find a course you’ll love.

1. Urbana Singers: This class represents Urbana High School’s entry-level chorus. You don’t even need singing experience to join (though it is recommended). Students in Urbana Singers practice songs specifically created for beginners so they can develop their voices and musicality. It should be noted that this class requires time and effort outside of school hours: concerts, community performances and rehearsal attendance are reflected on during the grading process. If students pass Urbana Singers, they are encouraged to try out for one of the higher levels of choir to further their music experience at Urbana High School. Do you have singing talent you want to showcase and improve? Sign up for Urbana Singers and let your voice be heard.

2. Housing and Home Furnishings: Students who take this class will have the opportunity to learn about interior design. The Urbana High School Course Descriptions and Planning Guide states, “This course covers a variety of topics related to a career in this field; choosing housing, understanding the principles of interior design, evaluating interior furnishings, and creating and interpreting design plans.” Taking Housing and Home Furnishings would be beneficial to aspiring interior designers, but also appeals to everyone: at some point in your life, you will probably have your own home. This class will teach you how to decorate your space tastefully.

3. Photographic Arts: A picture’s worth a thousand words, and this class can help you tell that story. The UHS Course Descriptions and Planning Guide says students in this class will “cover the technical, historical and aesthetic aspects of black and white photography.” Students who take Photography will use an SLR camera for assignments and will be provided with black and white film. If you are interested in this course, you must take one Art course prior to signing up (unless you are a Junior or Senior, in which case you may sign up without the prerequisite).

4. Environmental Science: Do you want to save the Earth and investigate environmental changes happening in our world? This course is designed to teach students more about the world around them and how ecological cycles affect humans, animals and plant life. “Topics of this class will include soil science, plant growth, animal habitats, and ecology,” the UHS Course Descriptions and Planning Guide states. Students who take this class will participate in labs and real environmental science projects while learning about future occupations related to the field.

5. Journalism: If you have decent writing skills and are up for a challenge, sign up for this class. Students will write stories for the UHS online newspaper, The Echo while learning proper Journalism technique. The class also teaches students responsibility and accountability: every writer has to contribute for the paper to run smoothly. Students will cover stories of all areas: news, feature, sports, and reviews while also writing for their very own blog. The Echo is the voice of the student body: sign up today to help share the stories of Urbana High School.

In conclusion, these five classes are unique and each have something to offer to the UHS students. Signing up for one of these courses will teach you a new skill that just might help you later on in life. Go outside the box when class sign ups come around; you’ll be glad you did.

Do you agree with my choices for the five top overlooked classes? What should I have included on my list? Comment Below!