AD| The Importance of Humanities Subjects in Schools
Generally speaking, the humanities include any school subject that covers human culture in some way, such as history, geography, RE, literature, philosophy and performing arts, to name but a few. Nowadays, many parents and academic professionals are focussing on a child’s development in STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths), but humanities are equally as important and help young people develop a variety of key, transferrable skills. At this prep school in Surrey, for example, “the study of history is another vehicle for giving our children the confidence and tools to think for themselves”.
By exploring humanities and being taught by subject specialists in prep school, children are provided with insights into the world around us, giving them the opportunity to develop the ability to think creatively and critically. It’s a chance for them to learn about different languages, cultures, and histories, developing a sense of empathy and respect for others. With that said, one could argue that humanities subjects support and cultivate equality and social justice.
Unlike in maths or science, humanities subjects often have no right or wrong answer. This is fantastic for children because it helps them to become more comfortable with ambiguity and unfamiliarity. It encourages them to carry out thorough research and analyse data so that they can present a knowledgeable argument in their essays and class discussions. As a result, they learn to recognise bias and to assess the value of a source. Essentially, a child studying a humanities subject will have the natural instinct to challenge information and data and offer alternative viewpoints.
So, the humanities are important because they encourage children to explore their own beliefs, values, and identities, while also extending their intellectual and creative horizons. They learn to empathise with people who are different, therefore celebrating diversity and challenging prejudice. What’s more, the transferrable skills developed through these subjects will help them when the time comes to join their senior schools, moving to university and embarking on a successful career.
