Education plays a major role in most of our lives. Although to some teenagers this may not be as transparent, the education system allows us to discover a lot about our lives. From English and the arts to maths and the sciences, at school we are exposed to a plethora of contrasting subjects, allowing us to learn more about different ideas and concepts, and more importantly, discover our individuality. However, are the youth being told everything?

From infancy, we are able to develop basic skills and ideas to tackle complex concepts and enable us to explore the depths of our imagination. As we progress through our academic life, we experience new challenges, which test our thinking, preparing us for the life we wish to lead. Although this a major advantage of education, some may argue that we are not being taught vital life skills. Learning theorems and experiments may help you achieve the grades you want however, in the long run, it may not be as useful.

As the next leading generation, we need to be taught more about what is happening in the world around us. Issues like politics and general global issues are not being discussed enough in school, leaving teenagers unaware of the society, which they are a part of. Additionally, though we are educated in aspects of knowledge and certain life skills, we are not skilled to deal with more responsibility, which has not been introduced before. This is a major issue once reaching adult life, especially amongst university students.

After secondary education, the majority of the youth is not informed about vital life skills, which can make a major transition in life easier. Although there are campaigns and organisations put in place to help young adults, it is not properly enforced by education. As a result, many may not be informed. This may include issues like balancing finances, using student or maintenance loans or finding accommodation. If we are not educated on these skills beforehand, how can we be expected to understand or achieve them?

Though I agree that education is a vital aspect of life, it needs to change, so we are not left in the dark to deal with issues ourselves. In this sense, the education system needs to change. The transition into adulthood is already such a stressful period, so it is important that we are informed in the most efficient way possible; this is not only possible through the work of separate organisations. By making us aware of life skills, we will be able to achieve and discover so much more, enabling the youth to bring change to the world.

By Ananya Sinha, Tolworth Girls' School