When we talk about what schools teach, the phrase “10 subjects should” immediately sparks curiosity. The traditional core curriculum—biology, chemistry, physics, arithmetic, algebra, literature, foreign languages, history, government, economics, and a generic physical‑education class—covers a lot, but it leaves many vital life‑skills on the sidelines. Below you’ll find a lively, in‑depth look at ten extra subjects that, in our opinion, every student from kindergarten through senior year ought to master.
Why 10 Subjects Should Include Creative Writing
10 Fiction Writing
Ask any elementary‑school kid what they love most, and you’ll likely hear, “making up stories!” The joy of inventing characters, worlds, and plots is not just kid‑play; it’s a skill that fuels some of the world’s most lucrative careers. Take Stephen King, for example—his love of fiction turned into a multi‑million‑dollar empire. College students across every discipline echo this sentiment, often ranking elective fiction‑writing courses among their favorites. Why? Because it finally lets them write what they truly want, instead of churning out formulaic essays about literary symbols that feel as stale as week‑old bread.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet serves as a masterclass in morality, human nature, existentialism, and politics. When high‑schoolers finish reading the tragedy—provided they have teachers who can unpack its layers—they’re usually so captivated that they feel compelled to try their hand at fiction. Unfortunately, many abandon the effort when early drafts fall short of Shakespearean brilliance. The culprit isn’t a lack of talent; it’s an absence of proper instruction in the craft of storytelling.
9 Applied Mechanics (Inventing)
Most people assume students are either math‑whizzes or arts‑savvy, rarely both. In reality, the two can coexist beautifully. Traditional curricula often relegate mathematics to abstract word problems—think “Train A leaves at 8 am…”—which rarely translate to real‑world applications. Imagine a classroom where calculus isn’t just a series of symbols on a board, but a tool for inventing gadgets. Newton and Leibniz created calculus to simplify geometric and algebraic operations; Kepler spent twenty years charting planetary paths, while Newton cracked the same problem in a single afternoon thanks to calculus.
When taught as a study of change and prediction, calculus becomes a thrilling gateway to the future. Rather than memorizing formulas, students could design simple machines, prototype inventions, or even toy with the idea of a time‑machine. Hands‑on projects transform dry theory into tangible wonder, making the subject feel less like a chore and more like a playground for the mind.
8 Filmmaking (Motion Pictures)
Many schools list drama as an elective, but the focus tends to be on stage performance. While acting on a live audience is invaluable, a whole generation of budding directors dreams of behind‑the‑camera work—storyboarding, editing, lighting—without a single class to nurture those talents. Imagine a middle‑school student who idolizes Steven Spielberg, yet has no formal outlet to learn camera angles, script formatting, or the magic of post‑production.
Spielberg didn’t study filmmaking until college, but with early instruction, his ascent could have been even faster. Self‑taught geniuses exist, yet consistent mentorship, structured lessons, and access to equipment dramatically increase the odds of success. A high‑school filmmaking class could provide not only technical know‑how but also networking opportunities with industry‑savvy teachers, opening doors that would otherwise stay closed.
7 Classical Languages (Latin)
Spanish and French dominate high‑school language offerings, yet many students find themselves forgetting most of what they learned by the time college rolls around. One writer recounts mastering French in college after four years of Latin study, noting that Latin’s grammatical scaffolding made French feel like a stroll in the park. Latin, though ancient, serves as a powerful springboard for all Romance languages, sharpening analytical skills and deepening cultural appreciation.
Learning Latin isn’t about speaking a dead tongue; it’s about unlocking the roots of English vocabulary, enhancing logical reasoning, and providing a sturdy base for picking up Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, or Romanian later on. By dedicating a few years to Latin in middle and high school, students can dramatically cut the time required to achieve fluency in multiple modern languages.
6 Multi‑Religious Theology
Understanding the world’s major faiths isn’t a political statement; it’s a necessary component of global citizenship. Many adults can’t pinpoint a New Testament verse that addresses contemporary social issues, let alone articulate the core tenets of Shinto, Sikhism, or even Satanism. A comprehensive, in‑depth survey of religions equips students to engage in informed debates, appreciate diverse worldviews, and recognize the common threads that bind humanity.
From the worship practices of Shintoists to the ethical frameworks of Buddhism, and from the historical roots of Islam to the philosophical underpinnings of atheism, a multi‑religious curriculum demystifies belief systems. By confronting misconceptions early, students develop empathy, critical thinking, and a nuanced perspective on the role of spirituality in public life.
5 History of Philosophy
Philosophy often feels too abstract for teenage brains, especially when schools squeeze only a single Shakespeare play into a semester. Yet the evolution of philosophical thought—from the Seven Sages of ancient Greece to Confucius, from Socrates to Aristotle, from Sun Tzu to Mozi—shapes modern politics, ethics, and personal worldview. A concise yet thorough history of philosophy illuminates the lineage of ideas that continue to influence our daily decisions.
Students who explore the dialogues of Plato, the meditations of Descartes, and the pragmatism of Confucius gain a deeper appreciation for the intellectual scaffolding of Western and Eastern societies. Understanding these foundations fosters critical analysis, encouraging learners to question assumptions and craft their own reasoned arguments.
4 Basketball And Physical Education
Public schools already require “physical education,” but the curriculum often reduces movement to a brief, generic session—dodgeball, calisthenics, or a quick jog—without teaching the fundamentals of any specific sport. By mandating at least one sport, such as basketball, for every student, schools could dramatically improve fitness levels, teamwork skills, and personal confidence.
When students truly learn the rules, strategies, and techniques of basketball, they develop hand‑eye coordination, spatial awareness, and a sense of camaraderie. Moreover, regular participation in a structured sport reduces the likelihood of being labeled the “last pick” and fosters a lifelong appreciation for healthy living.
3 Chess
Chess isn’t just a board game; it’s a rigorous mental workout that cultivates patience, foresight, and analytical reasoning. The world of competitive chess boasts a clear ranking system: novices start around a 500 rating, seasoned tournament players hover between 1000 and 2200, and Grandmasters must break the 2500 threshold, with world champions often topping 2800.
Students who engage regularly with chess tend to outperform peers across academic subjects, thanks to the game’s demand for strategic planning, problem‑solving, and disciplined concentration. When a youngster loses a match, the responsibility lies squarely on their own shoulders, teaching humility, accountability, and resilience—qualities that accelerate personal growth.
2 Music Appreciation
Music education often lives on the elective shelf, vulnerable to budget cuts. Yet learning to read, perform, and analyze music—from Bach and Beethoven to modern pop icons—offers profound cognitive and cultural benefits. Students who study musical form, such as sonata‑allegro structure, develop enhanced memory, pattern recognition, and emotional intelligence.
Practical performance is essential. You can’t master the violin by reading a manual; you must practice scales, learn phrasing, and internalize the language of sound. Exposure to a broad repertoire, coupled with hands‑on playing, cultivates an appreciation for artistic expression and builds discipline that translates to other academic pursuits.
1 Martial Arts
Bullying remains a stubborn problem in many schools, often leaving victims feeling powerless. Introducing martial‑arts training at the elementary level offers more than self‑defense; it cultivates confidence, respect, and self‑control. Students learn disciplined movement, strategic thinking, and how to de‑escalate confrontations without resorting to violence.
While some fear that martial arts could amplify aggression, research shows that disciplined practice actually reduces violent impulses, fostering a balanced, respectful attitude toward peers. Early exposure equips children with the tools to protect themselves and, more importantly, to develop a strong sense of personal agency.
By integrating these ten subjects into the standard curriculum, schools would produce well‑rounded individuals equipped with creativity, critical thinking, physical confidence, and cultural literacy—skills that transcend test scores and prepare students for real‑world challenges.