While it is argued that getting pupils ready for their careers should be the main focus of schools, others believe that schools should have additional purposes. The purpose of this essay is to analyse both sides of this argument and then I will explain why I believe the view that schools should have other functions is stronger.
On the one hand, it is thought that there are several undeniable advantages for school to focus on preparing young people for their working lives. To begin with, if young people are better prepared for their careers, they will be more successful in their working lives. In fact, they will also make more money and be able to support themselves better. To illustrate, some recent stories in the media highlighted that students who finish high school are less likely to be unemployed, and more likely to earn higher salaries. In addition, by schools preparing young people for jobs, there will be a better-prepared workforce. This benefits society by raising productivity and ensuring that employers have the necessary labour they need.
On the other hand, those contend that schools should have other functions, on account of the critical benefits. However, there are also advantages of schools having other functions. First of all, they should teach students skills to make them well-rounded. By teaching communication skills and how to use technology, the students will be better-rounded individuals. Clearly, these are important skills in today’s society and so they should be learnt at school. As well as this, schools should teach morals and ethics because this will make the society better. Many people feel that this aspect of schooling has become neglected, and has led to a deterioration of society.
In conclusion, I believe both sides of the argument have their merits. On balance, however, it seems that schools should have other functions. This is because if the students are well rounded, they will be more successful in their lives and contribute more to society.