Summary

The article advocates for the inclusion of driving, personal finance management, and personal health and wellbeing as compulsory subjects in the education curriculum to equip students with essential life skills.

Abstract

The author, Brian Anthony Cumberlidge, argues that the current education system lacks practical life skills, focusing too much on traditional subjects. He proposes that driving and vehicle maintenance should be part of the curriculum, providing independence and potential career paths. Personal finance management is highlighted as crucial in a society burdened by debt and poor financial literacy, suggesting that early education in this area could mitigate these issues. Lastly, the author emphasizes the importance of personal health and wellbeing, addressing the rise in obesity and the need for education on diet, exercise, and the impact of substance use. He believes that integrating these three skill sets into education would significantly benefit the next generation.

Opinions

The author believes that the current education system is too rigid and does not adequately prepare students for practical, real-world challenges.
Driving is seen as a key life skill that offers independence and potential career opportunities, but the cost of learning to drive is becoming prohibitive for many.
Personal finance management is undervalued in the current curriculum, leading to a society that struggles with debt and poor financial decisions.
The author suggests that learning about finance from a young age could help eradicate the existing credit culture.
Health and wellbeing education is deemed essential, with the author pointing out the negative impact of modern sedentary lifestyles, excessive sugar consumption, and the prevalence of mental health issues.
The author insists that teaching about the dangers of narcotics, alcohol, and smoking should be non-negotiable and addressed early in education.
Overall, the author is of the opinion that these everlasting life skills are

Three Everlasting Life Skills.

These skillsets should be made compulsory within the education curriculum.

When I was in school three decades ago. The strategy and structure of our secondary education were very rigid with minimal subject choices after the usual suspects of literacy & numeracy.

A sprinkling of the sciences & history with religious studies and the welsh language compulsory, which is extremely frustrating to get religion rammed down your throat as a topic of study when your learning would benefit from gaining insight and knowledge in a subject that you can use in everyday life.

#1 Being able to drive & maintain a vehicle.

I believe you can gain so much from having the ability to drive a vehicle. It could be a possible future career choice. More importantly, it gives you independence and responsibility at 17 years old potentially creating opportunities for travel and further education in university, college or a modern apprenticeship.

Learning the basics of oil & water maintenance, making sure your tyres are correctly inflated and being able to change a wheel if you have a puncture. This is something you will always come across at some point in life. Just the knowledge of how to keep your vehicle in shape in addition to the actual skill set of being able to drive a vehicle with confidence. Is priceless.

The cost of this has escalated to unmanageable rates for the average earning parents of young adults. When you join the armed forces it is a compulsory subject with the learning cost accounted for. I am suggesting it should be integrated into our education system as a fundamental life skill.

#2 Personal finance management.

This selection of topic is something we can gain positive and useful insight within financial structures.

Understanding the value of money, made relevant by the fact in 2020 we are a borrowing and credit lending generation living beyond our means. We either have to pay ridiculous interest rates or end up in extreme unmanageable debt. Because of the false economy that has always been suggested or created coincided with little or no knowledge around finances.

The earlier young adults are starting to learn about finance and its values the better. It would create an excellent footing to assist in eradicating the credit culture we exist in today. Learning to budget funds & how you pay the living costs bills, along with low-risk investment and saving suggestions for your future.

Which can go towards purchasing a property or starting a family, both are sound judgements. The suggestion that it can be complicated is valid. On reflection, though just basic knowledge and skills are still positive as opposed to the current system of none. It is a modern-day life situation and becomes an everlasting life skill. I believe it is imperative to inform the next generation and have it as part of compulsory learning within the education curriculum.

#3 Personal health & wellbeing.

In modern-day society, people have varied interpretations on this subject. By definition, the facts remain that diet & exercise along with consensus knowledge that obesity is at its highest.

Consumption of sugar and carbohydrates, the lack of exercise participation due to modern technology, gaming and the ever-growing obsession of social media becoming barriers to implement change.

Instilling positive beliefs and learning how to cook basic meals which are balanced and healthy is a good place to start. Having good oral hygiene comes with a reduction in sugar intake. Moderate exercise & being out in the fresh air is full of positivity.

The raised awareness around mental health can only bring good results in the future. Incorporating exercise at a moderate level has already improved peoples well being, which is an amazing alternative to prescription medication. Learning from an early age about narcotics, alcohol & smoking.

The ramifications on your health & wellbeing should be a non-negotiable discussion and be included in our education as a matter of urgency. Because actions speak louder than words. We have the chance to guide future generations. We can achieve this by learning from the ignorance and mistakes that have been made in the past.

These everlasting life skills can help nurture and enhance the next generation creating a brighter and positive future.

Created in an educational & potentially inspiring space.

Brian Anthony Cumberlidge. 09/05/2020