In recent years, the importance of art classes, such as painting and drawing, in high school has sparked increasing debate. Some argue that they should be considered mandatory and hold equal importance to other core subjects. In contrast, others contend that while art courses play an indispensable role in education, they should not be made compulsory in high school. I largely agree with this viewpoint.
It cannot be denied that art classes are essential and beneficial in high school curricula. To begin with, high school students are expected to explore their interests and career options as they prepare for the College Entrance Examination. Art courses can help students discover their passion and strengths, laying a solid foundation for those who tend to pursue careers in the arts, such as design, advertising, fashion, and film. Additionally, high school students often face significant academic pressure due to heavy workloads. Therefore, art classes provide an excellent way for students to unwind, relax, and recharge for their compulsory courses. Furthermore, art classes help bring about well-rounded students for society. For instance, learning art fosters students’ creativity and imagination, improves their aesthetic ability, enhances their concentration, and develops their collaboration skills.
However, there are several reasons why art classes should not be made compulsory in high school. First and foremost, making art classes compulsory would undoubtedly increase academic pressure on students. More worryingly, this could lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which would negatively impact students’ attitudes toward both their studies and their overall well-being. Therefore, art classes should only be categorized as optional subjects. Students should have the right to choose whether or not they learn it. Moreover, it is unfair to require students to take compulsory art courses, as some may have strong artistic talent while others do not, making grading subjective and difficult. Additionally, this change could put students from low-income families at a disadvantage, as wealthier families may provide expensive remedial courses to enhance their children’s performance.
In conclusion, art courses are crucial in high school curricula, helping students explore their future, relieve stress, and develop a range of skills. Nevertheless, they should remain optional to ensure a fair and student-centered education system.