Is high school preparing you for university?

Six students speak their minds to Rosamma Joseph and Kripa Jayram.

Steffy Earnest
Grade 11, commerce stream,
Our Own English High School Sharjah

"I have chosen commerce according to the profession I want to take in the coming years. I don't think any of the subjects we are studying now are a waste of time. For example, accounts and business are really important for us commerce students as they form a base for our higher studies.

"English is also important for both commerce and science students as it helps us better our communication skills.
"I strongly feel that marketing and statistics on a higher-level should be introduced and I think all the subjects we are learning are somehow connected to commerce."

Jaseena Sapna Yousuf
Grade 11, commerce stream,
Our Own English High School Sharjah

"I don't think what we are learning now is not going to be of use in university. I chose this course only after checking if I am really interested in all the subjects which are part of this stream. So I am doing well at almost all of them.

"I feel that schools should introduce more fun subjects such as drama classes, fashion designing, art and craft, etc., just to take a little bit of the pressure off our shoulders.

"If not for the non-board classes, subjects like these should be introduced in the board classes.

Keerti Kiron Pai
Grade 9,
Our Own English High School Sharjah

"I feel that some of the subjects we are learning now will be a waste of time in university such as chemistry. Learning about atoms and molecules according to me definitely won't be of use in our future careers.

"I also very positively feel that the choice of streams should be introduced from grade 9. More than the inclusion of subjects I think that the exclusion of subjects should be done. The burden of so many subjects with a whole lot of portions is just too much to handle."

Hemal Soni
Grade 11, commerce,
Our Own English High School Sharjah

"From what I've come to know from my siblings and friends who study in college is that the subjects of high school are the base for further studies. So it is essential to have a pre-knowledge of these subjects.

"I feel that a few more subjects and practical activities can be added to the curriculum. Subjects like human resources and psychology could be introduced. A few practical activities like visiting a bank or a business firm would help commerce students learn about running a successful organisation. It would provide a realistic view of the subject and would enhance students understanding of the subject."

Karthik Sharma
Grade 10,
Our Own Indian High School, Dubai

"The various subjects I am learning now will be of use in university because these subjects are the basics of what we learn in university.

"All subjects are important but they often contain some unnecessary portions which are quite boring. I personally feel school should reduce the portions or else it will damage the students' potential to study.

"Schools should also learn to give equal importance to games and studies.

Krishnashruthi Srivalsan
Grade 10,

"There is an urgent need to replace many of the subjects that are taught in high school since they are not put to use in colleges or universities.

"Schools must introduce more relevant subjects in the curriculum which will enable students to secure better jobs."

The writers are Grade 7 student of Our Own English High School, Sharjah