TH SUPPORTS BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP TO BE TAUGHT AS A COMPULSORY

SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

GOVERNMENT

ARGUMENT 1
- Develops practical skills
Business and entrepreneurship education can help students develop practical skills such as
financial management, marketing, sales, and project management. These skills are valuable
not only in the business world but also in personal life. Students will have the opportunity to
learn how to manage their finances, create a budget, and invest wisely.

REBUTTAL
While it's true that teaching business and entrepreneurship can develop practical skills, it's
important to note that these skills can also be learned outside of the classroom. Many
successful entrepreneurs never studied business in school and instead learned through
experience or self-education. Additionally, making business and entrepreneurship a
compulsory subject could take away from other important subjects, such as maths, science,
and language arts.

ARGUMENT 2
- Fosters creativity and innovation
Entrepreneurship requires creativity and innovation, and teaching it in schools can help
students develop these skills. Encouraging students to think outside the box and come up
with new ideas could lead to innovative solutions in various fields. This could lead to the
creation of new businesses and products that can benefit society as a whole.

REBUTTAL
While entrepreneurship does require creativity and innovation, it's important to remember
that not all students may be interested in pursuing entrepreneurship. Forcing them to take a
compulsory course in business and entrepreneurship could be a waste of their time and
resources. Additionally, creativity and innovation can be encouraged through other means,
such as art and music classes.

ARGUMENT 3
- Encourages economic growth
Entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic growth, and teaching it in schools can help
students understand how businesses operate and how they can contribute to the economy.
It could also inspire some students to start their own businesses, which could create jobs
and stimulate economic activity.

REBUTTAL
While entrepreneurship can be a driver of economic growth, it's important to note that not all
businesses succeed. In fact, many businesses fail within the first few years of operation.
Therefore, encouraging all students to start businesses may not necessarily lead to
economic growth. Instead, it may be more beneficial to focus on teaching students how to be
responsible consumers and how to make informed decisions in the economy.
ARGUMENT 4
- Increases financial literacy
Many young people lack basic financial literacy skills, such as how to create a budget, save
money, and invest wisely. Teaching business and entrepreneurship could help students learn
these skills and make informed decisions about their finances.

REBUTTAL
While financial literacy is an important skill, it's unclear whether teaching business and
entrepreneurship as a compulsory subject is the best way to teach it. Financial literacy can
be taught through a variety of means, including personal finance classes, workshops, and
online resources. Additionally, not all students may be interested in learning about business
and entrepreneurship, which could make it more difficult to engage them in the subject.

Teaching business and entrepreneurship as a compulsory subject in secondary school can

provide students with valuable skills and knowledge that they can use in various aspects of
their lives. It can help them become financially responsible, innovative, and contribute to the
economy. Therefore, we strongly support this motion and urge you to vote in favour of it.
Thank you.

OPPOSITION

ARGUMENT 1
- Not a necessary subject
While business and entrepreneurship education can be valuable, it is not necessary for all
students to learn about it. Students have different interests and career aspirations, and
forcing them to take a compulsory course in business and entrepreneurship could be a
waste of their time and resources. Instead, students should have the freedom to choose their
own courses based on their interests and goals.

REBUTTAL
While it's true that students have different interests and career aspirations, it's important to
note that business and entrepreneurship education can be valuable for all students,
regardless of their chosen career path. Learning about business and entrepreneurship can
help students develop practical skills such as financial management, marketing, sales, and
project management, which can be useful in many different fields. Additionally, making
business and entrepreneurship a compulsory subject can ensure that all students have a
basic understanding of these concepts, which can be useful in their personal and
professional lives.
ARGUMENT 2
- Limited resources
Schools have limited resources, and making business and entrepreneurship a compulsory
subject could take away from other important subjects, such as maths, science, and
language arts. These subjects are essential for students' academic and intellectual
development, and should be given priority over subjects that are not as widely applicable.

REBUTTAL
While schools do have limited resources, it's important to note that teaching business and
entrepreneurship doesn't necessarily have to come at the expense of other important
subjects. Schools can find ways to integrate business and entrepreneurship concepts into
existing courses, or offer business and entrepreneurship courses as electives rather than
compulsory subjects. Additionally, there are many resources available online and in the
community that can supplement classroom learning.

ARGUMENT 3
- Not all entrepreneurs succeed
While entrepreneurship can be a driver of economic growth, it's important to note that not all
businesses succeed. In fact, many businesses fail within the first few years of operation.
Encouraging all students to start businesses may not necessarily lead to economic growth.
Instead, it may be more beneficial to focus on teaching students how to be responsible
consumers and how to make informed decisions in the economy.

REBUTTAL
While it's true that not all entrepreneurs succeed, it's important to note that entrepreneurship
education is not just about starting a business. It's also about teaching students how to think
creatively, solve problems, and identify opportunities. These skills are valuable in many
different fields, and can help students become more successful in whatever career path they
choose.

ARGUMENT 4
- Better alternatives
There are other subjects that are more important for students to learn, such as critical
thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. These skills are essential for success in
any field, and should be given priority over subjects that are more narrowly focused, such as
business and entrepreneurship.

REBUTTAL
While critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills are important, it's important
to note that these skills can also be developed through business and entrepreneurship
education. In fact, business and entrepreneurship education can be an effective way to
teach these skills, as it requires students to think critically, solve problems, and communicate
effectively. Additionally, business and entrepreneurship education can be a way to make
traditional academic subjects more engaging and relevant for students.