Some people hold the view that high schools should make art classes, such as painting and drawing, compulsory, just like other academic subjects. I entirely agree with this opinion because art education plays a crucial role in students’ cognitive development and emotional well-being.
One of the main reasons why art subjects should be compulsory is that they help students develop creativity. Activities like drawing and painting encourage learners to think imaginatively and explore multiple solutions rather than relying on fixed answers. As a result, students become more flexible thinkers, which can positively influence their academic performance in science or mathematics. For example, many high schools in developed countries that include art classes report that students are more capable in project-based learning, where creative thinking is required to design experiments or presentations. Therefore, making art classes compulsory can support children’s overall development.
Another factor is that art classes benefit students’ mental health. Artistic activities allow teenagers to express their feelings in a stress-free way, especially during periods of academic pressure. The effect of this is improved emotional balance and a positive attitude towards school. For instance, in several high schools in large Vietnamese cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, students who have access to art lessons describe them as a break from exam-oriented subjects, helping them relieve academic pressure from schoolwork. This shows that art classes are important for healthy development.
Some people argue that high schools should just focus on core subjects like mathematics and science. However, academic success does not depend only on exam-based subjects. In reality, students who are emotionally stressed or lack creative skills may perform poorly in these classes. In Vietnam, where high school art education is generally optional, news programs often report that students become disengaged and less motivated, especially in periods leading up to important exams. While many factors are involved in increased stress levels around this time, not having lessons where students can forget about tests for a while certainly plays a part.
In conclusion, art classes help students develop creative thinking and maintain emotional well-being. For these reasons, I strongly agree that art subjects should be compulsory in high schools.