It is argued by some educationalists that subjects such as music, drama, art, and craft, which are not exam-focused, should be made compulsory in the secondary-school curriculum because they can improve learners’ academic performance. I totally agree with this view, although some limitations should be considered.
Firstly, arts-based subjects help develop significant cognitive and creative skills. Activities like drawing, acting, or playing an instrument encourage imagination and critical thinking, which can positively influence performance in academic subjects. For instance, students who participate in drama often become fluent speakers, which can enhance their results in presentations and language-based curriculum. In addition, creative tasks can ameliorate problem-solving abilities, which are useful in subjects like mathematics and science.
Secondly, art schooling can reduce stress and upgrade students’ overall well-being. Many students may experience pressure from exams, and creative subjects can provide a break. As a result, students might feel more relaxed and motivated, leading to better concentration in other lessons. For example, pupils who spend time on music may return to their studies with a clearer mind and increased focus.
However, making these subjects compulsory may not always be practical. Some students probably are not interested in arts and might prefer to spend more time in subjects related to their future career. Forcing them to study arts could reduce their motivation rather than improve it.
In conclusion, I agree that arts-related subjects can enhance academic performance and should play a crucial role in education. However, instead of being strictly compulsory, schools should offer them widely while still allowing some flexibility based on students’ interests.