What’s This About?In recent years, many high schools have cut art and physical education programs. Academic pressures often push these subjects aside, even though they play vital roles in creativity, health, and stress relief. This raises an important question: Should schools expand art and PE programs to support student well-being?
Constructive
Pro Peter
I think art and physical education classes should be expanded in high schools. These subjects build creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that support academic and career success. They also promote mental and physical health. For example, many public high schools in Seoul offer only one or two hours of physical education a week, which is far too little for students who spend most of their day sitting and studying. Art and PE classes provide students with essential breaks from academic stress, helping them stay balanced and focused. Without them, school becomes an endless cycle of exams and lectures in core subjects. Expanding art and PE would help students grow not only as scholars but also as healthy, well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges.
Con Bella
I believe art and physical education classes should not be expanded. While they are undoubtedly beneficial, students must focus on core subjects that directly affect their future opportunities. High schoolers already spend long hours studying, and adding more classes would only increase stress and reduce study time. The current system of offering art and physical education about once a week maintains a healthy balance that doesn’t overwhelm students or cut into important academic instruction. Expanding these classes might disrupt preparation for college entrance exams. For those not planning careers in art or physical education, the current level of exposure is sufficient. In short, high schools should prioritize essential academics while keeping limited time for creative and physical activities to support well-being without compromising academic goals.
Rebuttal
Pro Peter
While it is true that academics are important, limiting art and physical education to once a week assumes all learning happens at a desk. In reality, these subjects can strengthen focus, reduce anxiety, and improve classroom performance. Expanding them doesn’t mean neglecting academics – it means supporting them. With proper scheduling, schools can add more art and physical education classes without sacrificing study time. Students who feel balanced and are physically active tend to perform better overall. Education should not only prepare students for college exams but also help them develop lifelong habits of creativity, teamwork, and self-care. Expanding these programs will help students achieve true success by nurturing both their minds and bodies. It will ensure that students leave high school healthy, confident, and able to handle the challenges ahead.
Con Bella
While art and physical education have their value, expanding them in high school is not the best use of limited instructional time. High school is a pivotal stage that shapes students’ academic and career paths, and core subjects such as Korean, mathematics, English, and science play a far greater role in determining university admission and job opportunities. Prioritizing these subjects helps students build the foundational knowledge needed for future success. Furthermore, creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving can all be fostered within academic courses through project-based learning, debates, and group research. Not all students gain equally from art or physical education; for some, these classes may feel unnecessary or stressful rather than enriching. Maintaining the current balance ensures fairness, academic focus, and effective preparation for higher education.
Judge’s Comments
Both sides presented strong arguments, but Bella made a more compelling case that core subjects should take priority in high school. While arts and PE offer benefits, they are better suited as supplementary activities rather than essential classes. What do you think?