Some argue that art, such as painting and drawing, is equally vital as education in other subjects and should therefore be mandatory in high school curricula. While art contributes to students’ emotional and social development, I believe it is more appropriate to offer art classes as optional rather than compulsory.
Admittedly, art education offers significant benefits, particularly for high school students navigating the challenges of adolescence. It provides a valuable outlet for emotional expression and stress relief, helping students explore their feelings and build resilience. For instance, painting serves as non-verbal media for self-expression, which can enhance mental health by reducing anxiety and boosting self-esteem. Additionally, structured art programs foster teamwork and communication through group projects, while exposure to diverse artistic styles promotes cultural appreciation and global awareness. Thus, a compulsory art curriculum equips students with empathy and a deeper understanding of multicultural perspectives, preparing them to thrive in a diverse world. Aside from those, art classes encourage community engagement, as students often showcase their work in public exhibitions that strengthen connections between schools and local communities. These benefits underscore the significant role of art in fostering personal growth and social development among students.
Despite the above-mentioned benefits of learning art, it would be preferable to make it an optional course rather than a compulsory part of high school curricula for the following reasons. Firstly, to attain the qualifications needed for competency-based jobs in digital age, many students, especially in Northeast Asian countries, must prioritize core subjects to stay competitive in post-secondary education. However, since college entrance examinations in these countries do not include art classes, focusing on art could reduce the time allocated to core subjects, potentially affecting academic performance. Secondly, not every student