Everyone should stay at school until 18.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In most countries, completing secondary education is a prerequisite for entering the workforce.
While some argue for the freedom to pursue individual interests by dropping out, I believe
compulsory education serves a crucial role in equipping adolescents with the knowledge and
social skills they need to thrive in today’s world.

Firstly, secondary education opens the door to future opportunities. It equips students with
foundational knowledge in various subjects, including foreign languages like English. Fluency in
a global language empowers them to connect and collaborate with people worldwide,
significantly enhancing their competitiveness in the job market. This can result in exciting
careers abroad or broaden their prospects domestically. Hence, earning a diploma is the key that
unlocks a much brighter future.

Secondly, secondary education fosters personal growth through social interaction. As social
creatures, humans rely on collaboration and communication. By interacting with peers and
teachers, students develop essential social skills like teamwork, conflict resolution, and empathy.
These experiences prepare them for navigating the complexities of professional and personal
relationships in the future workplace. School life becomes a training ground for the social skills
they will need throughout their lives.

In conclusion, both academic knowledge and the social interactions fostered by secondary
education are vital for student success. While some students might express a desire to leave early,
the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term allure of immediate employment. A well-rounded
secondary education is an investment in their future.