SAMPLE Itis hard to overstate the importance of schooling: it decides what kind of person we become, what kind of career we will have and ultimately what kind of life we will lead. Therefore, what should and should nat be taught at school is necessarily a perennial debate. Some asseft that schools should focus on disciplines that will be directly relevant to one’s occupation in the future, while others state that courses like sports ‘and music should also be included in the curriculum. Both viewpoints are justifiable, but | personally lean/towards the latter. (On the one hand, academic subjects are indeed very important. It could be said that the foremost objective of people who attend school is to have a finaiicially Viable career after they finish. Toithis 6nd, thé)bUIKIOF the curriculum should be dedicated to core subjects like math, science and language, whose performance is plaGsd HEAVY, emphasis by higher education institutions and employers alike. On the other hand, subjects like sports and music cannot be diseounted altogether. While they may not be directly helpful in securing employment, they indirectly make 2 candidate more employable. Today, firms are increasingly looking beyond the technical expertise and qualifications of applicants and attach greater importance {0 attributes like adaptability, creativity, and collaborative skills. These qualities are arguably better cultivated in experiences like playing music or competing in team sports than in academic lessons. Another compelling reason why non-academic ‘subjects should be taught at school is that it allows young talents in athletic and artistic fields to be discovered. Without the opportunity to participate in these activities at the elementary or secondary level, musically inclined individuals or those who are endowed with an aptitude for sport will be denied the chance to achieve their full potential. In conclusion, academic subjects should no doubt bé/given precedence in school, but itis also important that students be taught other subjects like music or sports. 323 words, written by Tung Dang CHAPTER 1 - EDUCATION | 47