Why the National Curriculum Should Put More Emphasis on Personal Development

The national curriculum, set by the government, is the basis for what children learn in schools. It covers a wide range of subjects, from English and math to science and history. However, in recent years, there has been a growing concern that the national curriculum is not meeting the needs of students. Specifically, many people believe that there should be more emphasis on personal development.

Personal development is a broad term that covers a range of skills and attributes that are not necessarily related to academic achievement. These may include things like social and emotional competence, communication skills, and resilience. Many experts believe that these skills are just as important as academic skills, and that they play a crucial role in helping children to succeed in life.

So why should the national curriculum put more emphasis on personal development? There are several reasons.

Firstly, personal development skills are essential for success in the modern workplace. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who not only have the right academic qualifications, but who also have strong communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and the resilience to deal with challenges and setbacks. By focusing more on personal development, the national curriculum can help to prepare students for the demands of the workplace, and increase their chances of success in the future.

Secondly, personal development can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. Research has shown that children who have good social and emotional skills are more likely to have positive relationships, be more resilient in the face of adversity, and have better mental health overall. By teaching personal development skills, the national curriculum can help to support the mental health and wellbeing of students, both in the short and long-term.

Finally, personal development can have a positive impact on academic achievement. When students have good social and emotional skills, they are better able to concentrate and focus in the classroom. They are also more likely to be motivated to learn, and to have a positive attitude towards their education. By teaching personal development skills alongside academic skills, the national curriculum can help to improve academic achievement overall.

Of course, there are challenges to putting more emphasis on personal development in the national curriculum. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that teachers have the right training and support to teach these skills effectively. It may also be necessary to rethink the way that schools are structured, to create more opportunities for students to develop their personal skills alongside their academic skills.

However, despite these challenges, many experts believe that the benefits of putting more emphasis on personal development are clear. By helping to prepare students for the demands of the workplace, supporting their mental health and wellbeing, and improving academic achievement, the national curriculum can make a real difference to the lives of young people. As such, it’s time to start taking personal development seriously, and to recognize it as an essential part of a well-rounded education.

Speech tips:

Please note that any statements involving politics will not be approved.