It is believed by some individuals that practical skills, such as cooking and money management, should be incorporated into the school curricula. Others argue that academic subjects should be the priority. This essay will discuss both views and argue in favour of the latter.
Incorporating practical skills into the curriculum can prepare students for adult life and develop their financial habits. This stems largely from the fact that learning about life skills enables students to apply their knowledge in real-life situations and allows them to perform basic household tasks. Consequently, students may develop a sense of responsibility and gradually become independent. Other skills, such as money-management skills, can help students make informed financial decisions, plan their spending and prioritise their needs. A study conducted in the UK found that students who received financial education were better equipped to manage their daily finances and distinguish between essential and unnecessary purchases.
On the other hand, practical skills lessons may negatively affect students’ academic performance and increase schools’ financial burden. These lessons can distract students from academic studies and reduce time available for them, potentially lowering student’s grades. For example, introducing additional lessons on cooking and financial literacy may leave students with less time to study core subjects, which could affect their academic performance if the school day is not extended. Additionally, practical skills may require schools to provide additional resources and substantial funds. This is particularly evident when schools need to hire more teachers or instructors and purchase equipment and learning materials. Schools would likely have to allocate a larger portion of budgets to practical lessons.
In conclusion, receiving some practical lessons at school can help children be ready for adulthood and develop sound saving habits. However, I strongly believe that schools’ efforts should be prioritised towards theoretical subjects, as practical skills may distract students from focusing on studying and place greater pressure on schools’ budgets.