JOSEPIN SPREENA Class: 3/7
“Does what we learn in school prepare us for real life?” Since time immemorial, teachers, parents and students have been waging a war over the relevance and applicability of education. School has been known to some to educate pupils and help them advance and succeed in their future. Your parents most likely told you to get good grades and gain admission into a decent college. But this is not the case for others. Many other people believe that school does not prepare you for real life, as it only makes you book-smart. Many students question the relevance of typical school subjects as they are unlikely to ever use the countless formulas they are forced to memorise in the future. After considering these perspectives, I am of the opinion that education is relevant and important to people of all ages.
“What is the importance of academic subjects?” This often-asked question is seldom answered satisfactorily. What benefits will we gain from finding out how many moles there are in a sample of compound? Many fail to realise that we learn into order to better ourselves. Have you ever felt like an outcaste in a conversation just because you did not have a clue about Newton’s laws? Have you ever cursed under your breath when a chat with your friends turned into a discussion on polynomials? A good and broad education allows you to interact with other people and look at things through different lenses. The uneducated will only see a painting while the learned will see the true meaning – the story and feelings behind every brush stroke.
Academic subjects are not the only entities in our daily school lives. Schools also develop our talents through co-curricular activities (CCA). CCA enables students to showcase their talents and take time off from more cognitive work. The development of creativity, leadership and even social interaction skills are backed by CCA. Character and citizenship education (CCE), another key component in the school lives of many students, is equally vital as it plays a crucial role in inculcating moral values, a sense of rootedness to the nation and teaching us how to act and protect ourselves in certain situations. Coupled with CCA, CCE results in socially and emotionally skilled boys and girls who care for the community and the environment.
An often proffered reason why certain people find school useless stems from their belief that a student need to learn so many different subjects. However, that has its disadvantage. Even though many students may have their favourite subject, it would be impossible for them to know that without experiencing and learning more about every subject. The more subjects we study, the more opportunities and options we have in understanding who we are and who we want to be in the future. A variety of subjects serves a broader purpose, beyond preparation for career or work. Fewer subjects limit a student’s understanding of himself, and closes off options available to him.
In conclusion, school is one of the most important things in our lives. It develops in us varied perspectives of looking at life. It hands us skills necessary to function effectively in society. It not only helps students learn concepts and skills, it allows them to negotiate their place in the world socially, academically and emotionally. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. So brush off your ignorance, and enjoy your school life.
Writers by the River 