Subjects such as Art, Sport and Music are being dropped from the school

curriculum for subjects such as Information Technology. Many people

children suffer as a result of these changes. To what extent would you
support or reject the idea of moving these subjects from school
curriculum?

Subjects like art, sport and music nurture the talents and creativityof students in
school. Removing such subjects from the curriculum would definitely have a
negative impact on the physical and psychological development of children of
that age group. Hence, I would completely object (reject) the idea of removing
these subjects, even if it is to fit in important subjects like Information Technology.
Firstly, the purpose of education is not only to develop the academic ability of
students but also to nurture their creative talents and sporting abilities, leading to
the comprehensive growth of the personality of an individual. If the
above disciplines are removed from school syllabus in order
to accommodate new subjects, the real purpose of education would be
defeated and it would be limited toacademic pursuits alone. For example, if
schools do not give opportunity to children who are gifted in music, dance and
sports to develop their skills, it would certainly stunt the inborn talents. Apart from
school hours, they hardly get a chance to engage in such activities. Hence, school
authorities should ensure that sufficient time is given to sport, arts and related
activities, in spite of the pressure from new subjects.
Secondly, if school hours are completed packed with academic subjects children
would hardly get time to refresh their mind. This would mean that creative and
recreational activities like music and sports would give them time to unload their
pressures of academic studies and examinations. Furthermore, the opportunity to
engage in activities of their interest would make education an enjoyable experience
for children. For instance, most children are delighted in participating in sports
after tedious hours of academic studies. It would also rejuvenate their minds
and help them to get back to their studies.
Finally, the study of academic subjects hardly gives any room for
developing socialisation skills, team work and leadership
qualities.Children acquire such attributes by participating in extracurricular
activities. To cite an instance, a team sport like soccer or a musical concert would
help children to coordinate team activities and take up leadership.
On the other hand, there are people who argue that there is no
harmin dropping extracurricular activities in order to find space for new subjects
like information technology. They contend that these new subjects

are inevitable for children to develop their academic careers and they should find
time apart from school hours to engage in non-academic pursuits. However, this
reasoning does not seem to be very convincing as much of after-school hours
are packed with home work or other academic projects. Apart from that, facilities
and opportunities for such activities are very limited away from school.
In conclusion, school authorities should find a suitable way to fit in subjects like
information technology, without downplaying the importance of arts and sports.
(Words in italics are examples of the 'skill of cohesion' and words in bold letters are
to be studied as part of 'vocabulary'. Structures given in both italics and bold letters
require special attention from students.)