From Subjects to Skills: A Conversation That Changed How We See Learning
Recently, we had a conversation with our Head of School that made many of us think differently about why we come to school and what we truly learn here. It wasn’t a lecture or a formal session—it felt more like an honest exchange where our thoughts mattered.
During the discussion, many of us shared something we had been quietly feeling: learning today cannot be only about subjects and textbooks. While subjects give us knowledge, we believe school should also focus more on skills—skills for life and skills for living.
We spoke about communication, problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, emotional balance, and confidence. These are things we use every day, not just during exams. Some of us said that we remember activities, projects, and real-life discussions more than memorised answers. That made us realise how important skill-based learning is for our future.
Our Head of School listened patiently, asked us questions, and encouraged us to think deeper. We discussed how subjects like mathematics, science, and languages can still be meaningful when connected to real-life situations. We don’t want subjects to disappear—we want them to help us build abilities we will use beyond school.
For example:
• learning how to manage time instead of only completing homework
• working in teams instead of studying alone all the time
• understanding how to handle stress and failure
• learning financial basics, communication skills, and decision-making
That conversation made us feel heard. It also made us realise that education is changing, and we are part of that change.
As Grade 8 students in a CBSE learning environment, we understand that discipline, academic learning, and preparation are important. But we also feel that skills give meaning to what we study. Marks may open doors, but life skills help us walk through them confidently.
The interaction with our Head of School reminded us that school is not just preparing us for exams—it is preparing us for life. And when subjects and skills come together, learning becomes more relevant, practical, and powerful.
