When you enter middle school, you begin your journey to becoming an independent and responsible adult. You might not realise it yet, but your education will start to reflect this new level of independence. Over the next few years, you will learn to negotiate and compromise, be comfortable expressing yourself, and value equality and differences.
Based on your major (if any), the subjects you will learn can vary. However, there are some general education subjects that you will learn regardless of your major. These are reading and writing skills, among others.
Reading
When you enter middle school, you begin your journey to becoming an independent and responsible adult. You might not realise it yet, but your education will start to reflect this new level of independence. Over the next few years, you will learn to negotiate and compromise, be comfortable expressing yourself, and value equality and differences.
Based on your major (if any), the subjects you will learn can vary. However, there are some general education subjects that you will learn regardless of your major. These are reading and writing skills, among others.
Broadly speaking, reading is the process of acquiring knowledge, wisdom and understanding. It is essentially a skill you will need as a future adult. In today’s world, reading for pleasure is considered to be a luxury reserved for educated and cultured individuals. However, your education will challenge this notion as you will learn to value and appreciate good literature.
Writing
Writing is closely associated with reading. Essentially, writing is the process of recording knowledge, wisdom and understanding. However, it is a skill you will need to develop independently. Based on your interests and strengths, you can choose a professional path in terms of the subject you will study and the setting in which you will practise your skills. Whether you decide to study journalism, business, or legal writing, you will study and practice a range of skills that will enable you to become a confident and independent writer.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the science of reasoning and logic. Essentially, mathematics can be considered a general education subject that you will need regardless of your chosen major or career path. Much like algebra, which you will learn in secondary school, you will learn to apply your logical reasoning skills to problem-solving situations. You will study a variety of topics including probability, logic, and algebra. Because mathematics is a crucial part of many STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a relevant and rigorous environment. For example, you could specialise in applied mathematics and solve real-world problems relating to business, economics and finance.
History
History is the study of past events and people. Like mathematics, you will have studied some history in secondary school. However, unlike mathematics, history is a subject that you will need to specialize in. You will study a variety of topics including world history, the history of science and technology, and modern history. Like mathematics, history is a crucial part of many STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a relevant and rigorous environment. For example, you could specialise in ancient history and study the development of human civilisation.
Science
As we have established, mathematics is a crucial part of many STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Like history, you will have studied some science in secondary school. However, unlike history, science is a subject that you will need to specialize in. You will study a variety of topics relating to nature, biodiversity, and human health. Like mathematics, science is a crucial part of many STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a relevant and rigorous environment. For example, you could specialise in biology and study the evolution of species or the functioning of the human body.
English
Last but not least, we have English. Let’s be honest, who hasn’t studied English at school? Whether you are a native English speaker or simply want to learn the language for personal or professional reasons, you will learn to value and appreciate English. Like mathematics and history, English is a crucial part of many STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). It is a general education subject that you will need regardless of your major or career path. However, much like reading and writing, English is traditionally associated with education and culture. Like many general education subjects, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a relevant and rigorous environment. For example, you could specialise in English Literature and study the great works of William Shakespeare or T.S Eliot. Alternatively, you could decide to study journalism and become a skilled and independent journalist. Like many general education subjects, English is a language you will need for many professional opportunities. So, while you may have studied the language for enjoyment in the past, you will soon learn to value it for professional and personal uses.
Based on your interests and strengths, you can choose a professional path in terms of the subjects you will study and the setting in which you will practise your skills. Whether you decide to study journalism, business, or legal writing, you will study and practise a range of skills that will enable you to become a confident and independent writer. And don’t be afraid to explore the subjects that you are not exceptionally good at; with practice, you will learn to value and appreciate the skills you are good at and are interested in.