In certain countries children are not allowed to leave school until they reach a certain age, for example, in some countries it is 15 years.

Write an essay expressing your point of view on the following topic:

Should there be a minimum school leaving age, or should students and their parents be free to decide when they leave school?

You should write at least 250 words.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

One feature of improved education systems around the world has been an increase in the period of compulsory schooling for students. In many developed countries students are now required to stay at school until they are 15 years of age.

There are quite plausible reasons for opposing this policy. Low income families, for example, may not be able to afford to keep their children at school and may resent governments imposing this decision on them. In many developing countries children can bring in much needed income, either by working in family agricultural activities, or else through paid employment. Compulsory schooling might also be opposed on educational grounds. Recent studies have shown that compulsory school can be psychologically damaging for students who are not motivated to learn. They may be more ready to learn later on as adults when their motivation is stronger.

But there are also strong reasons why students should be obliged to remain at school until a certain age. First, at a young age students are unlikely to be sufficiently mature to make sensible decisions about their lives. We should not allow students to make decisions they may later regret. A second reason is that in today's society, where increasingly high levels of skills and knowledge are required of the work force, early school leavers will find it very difficult to obtain employment.

It is my view that schooling should be compulsory until a certain age. Education authorities, however, must ensure that the education provided is both affordable to families and relevant and interesting to students. (258 works)