Unit 1 Education & Learning

life skills, such as number skills (numeracy) or reading 

and writing skills (literacy). Schools can also teach young 

people about other cultures and the world around them, so 

they can be responsible global citizens. They may want to 

educate students about where they live, so they can be proud 

of their country and their background. Learning is also 

beneficial for the mind and many people find it enjoyable.

C  Countries often have differing priorities when it comes to 

what purpose education serves and this influences what is 

taught. Compulsory subjects are the subjects a country’s 

education authority considers its students must study until 

they reach the mandatory school leaving age. These usually 

include Maths, Science and a student’s native language. 

In addition, students study a range of optional subjects, 

which they are allowed to choose for themselves. Countries 

also differ in the proportion of the curriculum dedicated 

to less-academic subjects like Physical Education and Art. 

Furthermore, schools in some countries provide a wide-

range of extra-curricular activities such as sport, drama 

and music lessons, both at lunchtimes and after school.