Keeping Concomitants in the Classroom
By Ms. Miller’s Bell 4 Journalism Class
Tim Crane ‘20, Josh Wufsus ‘21, and Jenny Yao ‘21 sit on the steps of the KCCA.
They are learning about Cain and Abel during their Bible class,
which they are required to take to graduate.
Imagine you’re a rising senior, looking forward to filling your schedule with fun classes like ceramics, forensics, or ornithology, only to hear your advisor say you still have to finish your concomitants. Rolling your eyes and letting out a sigh, you plead, “but why?” Why indeed? While it may seem like a pain to try and fit these classes into a schedule, they are important to fulfill for graduation. In reality, concomitants are beneficial in bringing opportunities to discover skills in subjects usually overlooked. Taking these classes makes well-rounded students, and they prepare them for school and beyond.
According to the Classes & Sequences of Wyoming Seminary, concomitants are classes necessary for graduation but not one of the core subjects of grammar/literature, mathematics, science, history, and foreign language. Requiring students to take concomitants sets them on the right path to becoming a well-rounded student. According to Ms. Frosini, associate director of college guidance, “Wyoming Seminary’s defined mission is to educate the ‘whole person.’” Class Dean of 2023 Mrs. Swaback says “It is important to take time out of traditional academics to teach cultural health and vital aspects of life.”
Bible and Art History gives us an insight into a culture that of which we may not be familiar. Public speaking helps build communication skills that one will use throughout one’s entire life in both business and personal matters, like a big presentation in the first week of college, a first job interview, or simply just meeting a new person. Sem teaches us these skills because they want their students to succeed on their own, which is only possible because of concomitants.
Additionally, there is research that proves that concomitants are useful in a student’s life. The Hill School is a competitive private school located about ninety miles south of Sem. According to Hill’s handbook, they require three terms of arts and one term of religion in order to graduate. Their students average an SAT score of 1340 and an ACT score of 26, ranking them among the top 20 boarding schools, says Boarding School Review. Along with the Hill School, various other schools require certain classes. One being Shady Side Academy, which requires numerous art programs. According to BSR, they average an SAT score of 1350 and a 29 on their ACTs, putting them above many private schools who do not have required classes.
Now, when you hear the word “concomitants,” do not be upset that you are required to take them. Rather, feel lucky you are being forced to step out of your comfort zone. Who knows? Maybe you will find yourself deeply interested in art history or discover your new passion for playing the recorder.
