Arts, Science or Commercial subjects: Which is superior?

AN interesting debate pertaining to the Arts, Science and Commercial subjects and students ensued last week.

There was a question rather deliberation on which subject combinations are of much value when students consider studying towards a career path. Others considered those studying sciences to be highly intelligent compared to those in the arts or commercial fields.

However, many students are of the view that this perception negatively affects learners as many end up choosing wrong career paths due to peer pressure.

Some even went on to suggest that the debate was unnecessary as all subject combinations are important and determined by one’s dreams and aspirations. Here we have excerpts from some of the students who participated in the discussion:

Mitchell Nyamidzi

COMBINATION discrimination is real. However, I think that should never be the case. Everyone is allocated their subject combination, which is a good thing in helping to shape careers from high school level. But it should be noted that this screening process has in some instances adversely affected leaners’ career paths.

What happens to a student who is directed to an Arts class when he or she dreams of becoming a medical doctor?

The screening process also creates challenges in school as some students, particularly those doing Sciences, start seeing themselves as superior than others.

Linda Nyamakura

THERE is a lot of discrimination because you hear your parent(s) saying, “If you do not get into the Science class, you are going to transfer”. People consider stu- dents studying Arts subjects as failures. But they do not understand that we have different dreams. Some want to be lawyers or artists.

Christwish Ushewokunze

IN most cases, Science students are more appreciated than those in other classes. Naturally, this results in some learners developing low self-esteem in themselves as they feel less important. But we have cases of Science students with misplaced pride that have dismally failed their examinations.

Ulima Marodza

W

E should always remember that God has a plan for everyone and all things work together for good. Imagine if we all become doctors — will the country run well without a President? Arts subjects are as important as Science or Commercial subjects.

Tamika Mautsa

I think people should start by showing that even though you are in an Arts class, you can still excel in life and be a millionaire because of professions like law. As children, we have different ideas and dreams but sometimes we just do what we are told by our parents.

Choose a combination of Commercials, Arts or Sciences, because you have a desired goal that can be fulfilled by that combination.

Some students even refuse to go back to school in Form Three because they would not have been selected for the Science class.

Even if the learner goes back, his or her attendance will be indifferent because they did not make the Sciences grade.

For example, I told my father that when I got to Form Three, I wanted to focus on Arts subjects and he told me that “I will transfer and send you to another school.”

I told him that Sciences are hard for me and with the job I would like to do after school, Arts subjects were the best. He asked me, “what kind of job pays good money that is not linked to the Science subjects?”

I just think people do not know and see the good of all these combinations. There are hundreds of job opportunities from all three of the combinations. As children, we should not be affected by what others say. If you follow your dreams, you can reach what you are aiming for.

Bethel Muzzah I

think that every combination be it Arts, Commercials or Sciences has its advantages and disadvantages.

The fact that people think Sciences are the best combination is a myth.

People who do Arts should not be facing discrimination because there are so many rewarding job opportunities that come from the field.

I think there is need to conscientise the public on the importance of all subject combinations.