What Should Be Taught in Schools But Isn’t

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on personal opinions, research, and lived experiences. The aim is to encourage constructive discussion about improving education and life skills, not to criticise individuals, teachers, or specific schools. Offensive, abusive, or trolling comments will not be tolerated and may be removed without notice. Readers are encouraged to share their perspectives respectfully and consider that others may have different experiences.

🔊 Listen to Post

Rethinking Education for Real-Life Success

Education is supposed to prepare students for the real world, but too often, schools fail to teach the very skills that young people need to thrive after graduation. Instead, the curriculum is filled with outdated or impractical subjects that do little to equip students for adulthood.

When I was in secondary school, I was taught woodwork and metalwork. While these subjects may have had their place in the past, for me, they were a complete waste of time. I would have benefited far more from learning essential life skills, the kind that set you up for independence, success, and resilience in the real world.

It’s time to rethink what is truly “compulsory” in our education system and replace obsolete topics with subjects that have real value.

Compulsory vs Opt-In Subjects

One of the biggest flaws in our education system is that students are often forced to study subjects they have no interest in and will never use in adult life. For example:

Currently Compulsory but Could Be Optional:

• Metalwork
• Woodwork
• Needlework
• Certain branches of advanced mathematics (beyond the basics)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology (Dissecting Frogs & Rats)
• Socialogy
• Some historical topics with little modern application

While these can be valuable for those pursuing specific careers, they should be opt-in subjects rather than forced upon all students. The time saved could be invested in teaching skills that every person will use.

Questioning the Relevance of Some Subjects

Why is it so important to learn algebra in depth when most people will never use it outside of school and can easily access the formulas online if needed? Similarly, while history can provide valuable lessons, much of the factual content can be instantly retrieved from the internet.

The focus should shift from memorising details to critical thinking, analysis, and application, teaching students how to interpret information, not just recite it.

“Subjects That Should Be Compulsory Instead”

Some subjects are universally relevant and should be compulsory for all students:

1. Money Management & Financial Literacy: Budgeting, saving, avoiding debt, and understanding credit scores; reading financial statements, paying taxes, and preparing for emergencies.
2. Business Startups & Entrepreneurship: Basics of running a business, from planning to marketing, and building and promoting a brand, including using social media effectively.
3. Mental Health & Emotional Intelligence: Recognising and managing stress, anxiety, and depression; understanding empathy and developing anti-bullying strategies.
4. Conflict Resolution & Crime Prevention: How to de-escalate arguments without violence; raising awareness about knife crime and its consequences.
5. Criminal Law: A working knowledge of the justice system, personal rights, and legal responsibilities; understanding how the law protects people and what happens when it is broken.
6. Budgeting & Investing: Planning monthly expenses and long-term financial growth; understanding compound interest and avoiding financial pitfalls.
7. First Aid & Saving Lives: Basic life-saving skills such as CPR, treating wounds, and responding to emergencies; acting quickly and effectively in critical situations.
8. Disability Awareness: Understanding physical and mental disabilities, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); promoting empathy and breaking down stigma.
9. Home Economics: Cooking, cleaning, laundry, and household organisation.
10. Time Management: Prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines, and avoiding procrastination.
11. Preparing for an Interview: Researching companies, answering common questions, and body language tips.
12. Self-Promotion & Personal Branding: Presenting yourself professionally online and offline.
13. Credit & Debt Management: Understanding credit scores, borrowing responsibly, and avoiding financial traps.
14. IT Skills & Digital Literacy: Navigating modern technology confidently, including cyber security, protecting personal data, and spotting phishing attempts.
15. Scam Awareness: Identifying and avoiding online and offline scams.
16. Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email professionalism.
17. Presentations & Public Speaking: Clear communication, confidence, and audience engagement.
18. Photoshop & Digital Creativity: Basic image editing and graphic design for work or business.
19. Coding & Programming: Understanding basic coding languages and logical problem-solving.
20. Self-Care & Personal Hygiene: Maintaining physical health, grooming, and self-respect.
21. Meditation & Mindfulness: Improving focus, reducing anxiety, and maintaining emotional balance.
22. Journaling & Reflection: Recording thoughts, tracking progress, and setting goals.
23. Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Evaluating information and making informed decisions.
24. Decision-Making Skills: Weighing pros and cons, assessing risks, and making smart choices.
25. Communication & Collaboration: Working effectively in teams and building strong relationships.
26. Cultural Awareness & Diversity: Respecting differences and understanding global perspectives.
27. Basic DIY & Maintenance: Simple home repairs, painting, and safety basics.
28. Environmental Responsibility: Recycling, sustainability, and eco-friendly living.
29. Healthy Relationships & Boundaries: Respect, consent, and conflict resolution.
30. Dealing with Failure: Viewing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
31. Redefining Success: Valuing fulfilment, relationships, and impact over material possessions or social media numbers.
32. Taking Criticism Constructively: Separating useful feedback from negativity and using it to improve.
33. How to Apologise: Admitting mistakes sincerely and taking responsibility without excuses.
34. How to Say No: Setting healthy boundaries without guilt or fear of rejection.
35. Self-Advocacy: Speaking up for yourself in education, workplaces, and healthcare settings.
36. Delayed Gratification: Practising patience for long-term rewards.
37. Understanding Gender Identity: Promoting respect for all identities and breaking down stereotypes.
38. Consent & Respect: Understanding boundaries in all situations and valuing personal space.
39. Learning Indigenous History: Acknowledging and appreciating the contributions and struggles of native populations.
40. Volunteering & Community Service: Giving back to society and building social responsibility.
41. Honest Sex Education: Comprehensive, age-appropriate information about intimacy, consent, and safety.
42. Spotting Fake News: Verifying sources and recognising bias.
43. Growing Fruits & Vegetables: Understanding food sources and sustainability.
44. Minimising Waste: Recycling, composting, and reducing plastic use.
45. Interacting with Animals: Respectful and safe animal care.
46. Understanding the Food Industry: The environmental impact of meat and dairy production.
47. Emergency Preparedness: Responding effectively to fires, floods, or power outages.
48. Balancing Work & Life: Avoiding burnout and prioritising health alongside career.

📌 Something to Remember

“We are preparing students for exams, not for life. Real education means teaching how to earn, manage, and protect your future, not just memorising facts.”

The Role of Technology in Education

Social media can be a powerful tool for brand promotion, but its use should be taught responsibly. Young people should learn that a digital footprint can either build or destroy their future.

At the same time, distractions in school need to be controlled. No child under the age of 16 should be able to use a phone during school hours. One way to enforce this is through a Faraday cage, blocking all signals so students can’t secretly use multiple devices after handing in just one at the start of the lesson.

Why These Subjects Are Not Taught

There are several reasons why these valuable topics are not part of the core curriculum:

• Outdated Education Models: Schools often stick to traditional subjects for historical or bureaucratic reasons.
• Lack of Teacher Training: Not all teachers have the expertise to teach modern life skills like investing or law.
• Political & Budget Constraints: Education policy changes slowly, and funding is often directed toward existing programmes.
• Fear of Change: Introducing new subjects means rethinking the whole system, which many institutions resist.

Changing the Narrative

Too many students have left school feeling uninspired because a teacher once told them, “You won’t come to much when you leave here.” Comments like this can crush confidence and hold people back. The truth is, everyone has the potential to be successful with the right guidance and opportunities.

“Everyone Has The Potential To Be Successful”

If schools embraced practical life skills, we could produce a generation of confident, financially literate, and socially responsible young adults who are ready to take on the challenges of the real world.

Final Thoughts

It’s time to stop preparing students for exams alone and start preparing them for life. An education system that prioritises mental health, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, conflict resolution, and criminal law over outdated skills will set young people on a path to independence, innovation, and personal success.

Key Takeaways – Building a Curriculum for Real Life

• Replace outdated subjects like compulsory woodwork, metalwork, and needlework with modern, practical skills.
• Shift from memorising facts to applying knowledge, for example, focus less on advanced algebra and historical trivia that can be looked up online.
• Make life skills compulsory.
• Control phone use in schools by using Faraday cages to prevent hidden devices and distractions.
• Empower students to believe in themselves, regardless of negative comments from teachers or peers.

Bottom line: Schools should be preparing students for life, not just exams. A modern curriculum must equip young people with the confidence, skills, and knowledge to succeed in the real world.

Domain Name For Sale: www.LEARNINWALES.co.uk, Contact Us To Make An Offer!