‘Schools should teach practical skills such as cooking and managing our finances.” Do you agree? Why or why not? (GCE O Level 2023)

Singapore’s educational system has always been lauded for nurturing intelligent and skillful youths who can hold their own against the best in the world. We frequently clinch the top few positions in the renowned PISA exams. In spite of our success, I believe that our schools have room for improvement because they do not prioritise the imparting of life skills. In this essay, I will explore several reasons why it is imperative for schools to teach youths practical skills.

The core purpose of education should be to guide young people to create a life they are proud of, so teaching life skills should not be divorced from the curriculum. Studying the sciences and humanities helps to hone young people’s thinking skills, but it is only when practical skills are taught that they learn how to be independent. This is especially important in this age of globalisation, where many students find it necessary to study or work overseas. If they have acquired skills in cooking and managing their finances, they will find it less stressful to navigate a foreign culture because they will know what to do in overseas supermarkets and banks. This will thus bolster their confidence and buttress their resilience against life’s obstacles. When our young are equipped with such life-affirming skills, they will feel more prepared to venture out of their comfort zone and take on new challenges.

Equipping our students with practical skills will also reap dividends for our nation down the road because they will grow up to be savvy adults who make wise decisions. When students learn about the nutritional value of ingredients, they will learn to avoid unhealthy food, which will cause them to be less likely to develop diabetes and heart diseases. Likewise, when they distinguish between wants and needs and spend prudently, they will be less likely to fall prey to credit card debt. When Singaporeans lead responsible lives, this means that the government will not have to incur healthcare costs. Nor will social service agencies be burdened because of individuals needing financial assistance as a result of them making poor money decisions. Therefore, we need to teach our young practical life skills so that they will not incur exorbitant costs on society in the future.