I have an A-Level (i don't know what the US equivalent is you take them when you're 17-18) in Critical Thinking. As someone who has studied critical thinking and scepticism before and after that point I can safely say the course is bullshit. There where about 5 or 6 hour long lectures of which most where exam prep, and what was taught was almost insultingly basic. It was an easy grade to boost your chance of getting into University as it is based on some bogus points system.
I also took Philosophy, and I think it should be taught much more widely. Whether it should be on the curriculum for younger kids is debatable as you really need to work to get your head around some of it.
Ah, school... there are shite subjects and there are good subjects... and then there are GOOD subjects...
But then there are subjects that don't even exist, at least not in mainstream education.
Which subject would you want to see come into mainstream education the most?
As for me, I nominate Circus Arts to be brought into mainstream education!
No, seriously.
As a subject, Circus Arts offers significant possibilities and advantages for children. Yet, currently, there is only ONE (yes, ONE) place in the whole of Britain where you can get a degree in Circus Arts. I think it should be introduced at a younger age, say, primary or secondary/high school. Not only do most children (and adults!) find circus skills a lot of fun, but it also has some significant benefits. First of all, it can help kids with hands-eye coordination, which they can use in day-to-day lives. This is particularly useful for those with dyspraxia and other coordination disabilities, who can seriously benefit from such practice like juggling. Furthermore, while juggling is incredibly difficult, it is also very rewarding - it can teach children the benefits of over coming obstacles, and can encourage them to try harder in everything they do; it teaches them to become better at other things, not only juggling. The inception of Circus Arts into mainstream education ISN'T a silly idea - along with drama and music, juggling is one of the biggest forms of performing art, yet it is also the least appreciated. Bringing it into mainstream education is only a logical step into encouraging children to explore the possibilities open to them.
I vote video game design. Too few high schools don't have the necessary set-up courses for the making of video games. I had to mix and match various visual art and computer science courses together to get any decent training at my high school.
Also I would nominate some communication classes, ones that help with interactions in this crazy world of ours.
Also maybe A proper Art class you know one not bounded by rules one in which Freedom is actually freedom and not whatever the teacher chooses it to be?
Yeah...kinda hard to assess that kind of freedom champ. Theres gotta be some sort of curriculum. Art at a high school level isn't terrible, and if you're interested, pick it up as a University major.
Back on topic...It's been a while since I was in high school, and they had most things covered. I can sorta get why people think techno-babble like programming and quantum physics should be enhanced to get a grip on the future, but really, the level of IT and Science professionals is meagre compared to the mining and corporate sectors. Thats why I think focus should be on maths, and economics. Language, mm, not so much. English really is the dominant language, and will only continue to be more so, so I think a solid grasp on english is better than a flimsy grasp on multiple languages, especially since the introduction of text messaging, (may it burn in hell).
Freeform/Improvisational music classes. I quit band in middle school because the structure bored me to tears and I hated having to play the music they selected... I wish there was improv music class at my high school...
Didn't read the rest of the posts yet, but this reminded me of how when I was studying boxing I decided that it was something that should definitely be back in the school system. It's not just about fighting, but about the entire complexity of the sport which is the basis for almost all other martial arts.
A lot of American high schools have psychology classes. There's even an AP test for it. My school has a philosophy class also, but I don't know how mainstream that is.
This is a genius idea. It really is. Not only is exercise great but the self control and discipline that this could teach would be great.
And i'm liking the fact that half the suggestions that have been made here i had at school. Like woodwork and psychology. We also did cooking and i know a school that did mechanics and model castle making.
Circus Arts for 11 or so years of schooling? After juggling what can you possibly teach them? Tight rope walking? Clown comedy? How to tame an elephant? I think it would fit better as part of physical education rather than it's own subject.
I actually think there should be less classes, how many kids are going to grow up needing science, history and geography? 1 in each per year?
They should also cut out the unnecessary parts of the important stuff, such as http://www.mathsrevision.net/gcse/pages.php?page=39, when was the last time any of you on here used that stuff outside of school?
Of course there are certain jobs that need these skills but can't you learn them at college or uni? Save wasting our time on them in school, revising and taking exams on them, when all were going to do is forget them as soon as we leave.
After twenty years, they're offering such classes to my incumbent senior class =]
Though the only course worth taking is Science Fiction and Fantasy. To get ready for class, I read Ender's Game and The Forever War, at least to start. I'm going to work on getting the Book of the New Sun sometime soon when I have more free time.
On topic... a class where if you said/did something stupid (intentionally), you got backhanded. By a gorilla.
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