By Emma DeSanty ’25
While some, like Nedaat Masiat ‘26, think it’s just “one test that’s worth a big grade” others, like Emma Hyder ‘25, think it is “valuable for teachers and admin, and a wake up call for students.”
Derby High School recently underwent their annual midterm exams to conclude the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
The exams were held from Tuesday, Jan. 21 through Tuesday, Jan. 28. The exam schedule was the same as it has been for the past few years. Tuesday, Jan. 21 was a study period and the first period exam; Wednesday, Jan. 22 was second and third period exams; Thursday, Jan 23 was another study period and fourth period exams; Friday, Jan. 24 was fifth and sixth period; and the following Monday was seventh period exams and any make-up exams that students may have.
Each exam would last 90 minutes. The first exam or study period would start at 7:45 a.m. and end at 9:15 a.m. After the exam there was about a 20- minute break where students were provided with snacks before they had to take their next exams. The next exam would start at 9:35 a.m. and go till 11:05 a.m. After this exam ended, seniors and freshman would go to lunch while sophomores and juniors would go to their advisories. Lunches would last 20 minutes and then seniors and freshmen would go to their adversaries while the juniors and sophomores got their lunch. Every student was dismissed at 11:55 a.m.
The exam schedule has been the same for the past few years and it always benefits students because of the study period, but also is very exciting for seniors with half year classes and studies. If a senior has a 90% semester one grade, they do not have to take the final for that half year class and get to stay home that day. If a senior has a study, then they also do not need to come on for that exam period. After speaking with Hyder, she said, “I like the midterm schedule because I am a senior and had a few days off.” While also speaking with Masiat, she said, “I like the midterm schedule because it is less overwhelming.”
As always, the week before midterms is used as a study week. Teachers are encouraged to hand out study guides and review with all of their classes in order to prepare for their exams. Masiat said, “I had enough time to finish each exam, but I wish more teachers gave out study guides.” She also said she “wished she studied more.” On the contrary, science teacher Jennifer Shea said she “likes the midterm schedule with the built in time for studying,” but also said, “For a CP class an hour and a half is enough time for an exam but for higher level classes, especially the AP courses, there is not enough time to simulate a full length AP style exam.”
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