Buzz
Public schools in the US currently focus on a core curriculum that includes sciences like biology, physics, and chemistry; mathematics such as arithmetic, algebra, and statistics; language arts covering literature, composition, and foreign languages; social sciences including history, government, and economics; and physical education with sports like baseball, basketball, and football.
Here are ten additional subjects that should be mandatory for all students aged six to eighteen:
10. Fiction Writing
Elementary school students often find creating stories enjoyable, and the success of authors like Stephen King proves that fiction writing holds significant societal value. Many college students, regardless of their major, rank fiction writing courses among their favorites because they offer the freedom to write creatively, unlike the rigid, uninspiring essays often assigned in traditional classrooms.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet offers profound insights into morality, human nature, existentialism, and politics. It illustrates the destructive consequences of unchecked vengeance, impacting both the individual and those around them. High school students, when guided by skilled teachers, often feel inspired to write fiction after studying the play. However, many abandon their efforts when their initial attempts fall short of Shakespearean brilliance, not due to lack of talent but because of insufficient training in fiction writing.
9. Applied Mechanics (Inventing)
Why not encourage students to explore applied mechanics? While students are often categorized as either arts-oriented or math-oriented, this dichotomy is likely false. Pure mathematics often leaves liberal arts students questioning its relevance, especially when real-world applications are absent. Traditional word problems fail to connect math to everyday life, so let’s delve into calculus: why is it such a valuable skill to master?
It may seem ironic, but Newton and Leibniz developed calculus to simplify geometric and algebraic calculations. Johannes Kepler spent two decades mapping the movements of celestial bodies, theorizing gravitational forces, while Newton achieved the same in an afternoon—thanks to calculus.
Calculus, when taught effectively, is the science of understanding and predicting change. This makes it far more intriguing than the dry algebra and pre-calculus often taught in high schools. By incorporating hands-on activities like inventing gadgets, students can see the practical applications of advanced mathematics. Imagine the excitement of attempting to build a time machine—even if it’s impossible, the process reveals the power of higher math.
8. Filmmaking
While many public schools provide drama classes, these typically emphasize stage acting. However, numerous students are eager to explore filmmaking, yet lack the opportunity to do so within the school curriculum.
Many high school students dream of becoming directors, with Steven Spielberg often serving as their ultimate inspiration. Spielberg, a towering figure in Hollywood, didn’t formally study filmmaking until college. However, imagine how much more advanced his skills could have been if he had access to filmmaking education during middle or high school.
While geniuses like Spielberg often teach themselves, structured guidance from skilled instructors is far more effective than relying solely on raw talent and experimentation. For most aspiring filmmakers, enrolling in a filmmaking class during middle or high school is the most practical path. Additionally, such classes provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals through the instructor’s network.
7. Latin
While Spanish and French are valuable, students often have ample time to learn them in college. High school language instruction rarely prepares students adequately for advanced studies. For instance, this author chose French in high school for its elegance but forgot most of it by college, requiring a refresher in College French level one. Is learning a language before college truly worthwhile?
Not exactly. Latin is slightly more challenging than French or Spanish, though not significantly. Among Romance languages, Italian might be the most complex, but a solid grasp of Latin makes learning any other Romance language much easier.
This author delayed returning to French in college until completing four years of Latin. With that foundation, mastering written and spoken French took just one summer. While fluency in speaking requires prolonged exposure, the groundwork laid by Latin ensures a strong retention. If the aim is to learn multiple languages, starting with Latin, a foundational language, is highly advantageous.
6. Multi-Religious Theology
This suggestion isn’t intended to stir controversy (hence the term “multi-religious”). Many individuals, whether in school or the workforce, lack a deep understanding of the world’s major religions. For instance, few can identify specific New Testament verses addressing topics like homosexuality (there are three, with a potential fourth).
To engage in meaningful debates about the value of various religions—or the absence of religion—we must thoroughly understand their principles. Who do Shintoists revere, and for what reasons? What are the core beliefs of Satanism? Since religion is deeply intertwined with human existence, gaining a comprehensive understanding of as many faiths as possible is essential.
5. The History of Philosophy
We must consider the intellectual capacity of teenage students when introducing complex and abstract topics. Most schools limit Shakespeare to one play per year due to the challenging language and depth of his works, making it difficult to fully grasp plays like A Midsummer Night’s Dream or Othello in a single term.
Philosophy, though often intricate, plays a vital role in our everyday lives. However, it is rarely emphasized in public schools, likely because many teachers lack a deep understanding of the subject. A concise overview of philosophy’s evolution would provide students with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the intellectual achievements of Ancient Greece.
The foundations of Western politics and much of its history stem from thinkers like Zeno, the Seven Sages, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. Eastern philosophy, on the other hand, is shaped by figures such as Confucius, Gautama, Mozi, and Sun Tzu. Understanding the evolution of philosophical thought requires exploring each school, as new ideas often build upon older ones.
4. Sports
In US public schools, “physical education” typically involves basic daily exercise. Activities like dodgeball, basketball, track and field, and calisthenics are common, but students aren’t required to fully understand the rules of each sport. Instead, they participate in group activities, often with little structure or skill development.
Students interested in mastering a sport like basketball can try out for teams, but acceptance usually depends on pre-existing skills. While sports aren’t mandatory in most curricula, requiring students to participate in at least one sport during middle and high school could improve physical fitness and reduce the stigma of being chosen last.
3. Martial Arts
Martial arts stand apart from traditional sports like baseball, basketball, and football. They should be taught not as recreational activities but as essential self-defense skills. This approach could significantly reduce bullying, as bullies often rely on their size and strength to intimidate others.
Many victims of bullying, whether nerds, goths, or socially isolated individuals, sometimes turn to extreme measures like firearms to escape their torment. The sad reality is that defending oneself against a stronger opponent isn’t impossible—it just requires proper training. Confidence is key, and martial arts provide the skills and self-assurance needed to recognize when verbal abuse has crossed the line.
While some bullies may also learn martial arts to further their cruelty, these disciplines generally serve as equalizers. They often reduce violent tendencies in children rather than amplify them. Introducing martial arts in elementary school could foster discipline and self-control from an early age.
2. Music
Music education should encompass everything from classical masters like Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven to contemporary artists like Justin Bieber. Understanding musical history is crucial, yet in public schools, music is often treated as an elective and is frequently the first program cut during budget constraints. While students learn about historical events like WWII, they graduate knowing little about musical giants such as Rachmaninoff or the intricacies of sonata-allegro form.
The challenge lies in teaching music effectively, as it requires active participation. Simply reading about the violin won’t teach you to play it, and understanding concepts like exposition, development, and recapitulation demands listening to numerous examples. Only through practice and exposure can students truly grasp the artistry behind musical composition.
1. Chess
While many people know the basics of chess, only about 150,000 in the US possess notable skill. Globally, there are roughly 1,000 International Grandmasters. Organizations like the US Chess Federation and FIDE use rating systems to gauge player ability. Beginners typically score around 500, while experienced tournament players range from 1000 to 2200. Grandmasters must achieve a rating of at least 2500, with world champions often nearing 2800.
Chess offers more than just enjoyment; it’s a powerful mental workout. Regular players often excel academically because the game teaches patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills translate to better performance across all subjects.
Chess teaches accountability—when you lose, it’s on you. With proper guidance, students aged five to eighteen can learn humility, responsibility, and sportsmanship through chess, accelerating their personal growth and maturity.
