Should young people learn about sex, drugs and lifestyle choices in the classroom or should these topics be discussed at home by parents and guardians?

I think we all agree that the traditional academic learning – reading, writing and arithmetic – amongst others - are necessary subjects and the key staple diet of any young person within education today.

However, as young people progress through senior school and even pursue further education, there is still the debate over what should be taught – sex, drugs, internet safety, money management?

Rather than bury our heads in the sand, I believe it is important that we educate young people for the 21st Century and teach them vital life skills. This does not necessarily mean to teach all of the above. However, young people need to be equipped for the real world, have an awareness of serious issues and have the basis of some key life skills. Surely this can only benefit young people, ensuring they are well-rounded and helping them to succeed and achieve their goals – whatever they may be.

A recent study, carried out by Sir Alasdair Macdonald has examined how personal, social and health education (PSHE) should become part of the curriculum in England. This means that life skills – covering topics such as sex, healthy eating, internet safety and personal finance - will be on a statutory footing alongside traditional academic subjects.

Schools Secretary Ed Balls has also said that PSHE has a key role to play in a well-rounded education which prepares young people for life in the 21st Century. It has now set to become part of the compulsory curriculum from 2011.

There are a range of qualifications currently available which teach young people key life skills – skills which aren’t covered through traditional academic education. And increasingly, schools, colleges and sixth forms across the UK are implementing these qualifications into inductions – making them compulsory for students.

At NCFE we are seeing an increase in the number of schools, sixth forms and colleges implementing courses such as drug awareness to all students’ induction plans. A recent NCFE survey revealed that 73 per cent of people in the education sector thought all young people should take part in drug awareness qualifications.

For many years, drugs has been a taboo subject – particularly when dealing with young people. However, we need to ensure students are aware of drugs, their usage and their effects.

Only last week it was reported that a record of number of young people were treated for drug and alcohol problems. According to data from the National Treatment Agency (NTA), counsellors in England alone saw 52,294 people aged 13-24, an increase of 12 per cent in two years.

This emphasises that more needs to be done – and educating young people from a young age, raising their awareness of the issues and looking at the impact drugs have - is a vital step forward.

We are also seeing an increase in the uptake of qualifications such as personal money management – in fact registration numbers have increased by 42 per cent over the past two years.

Again this type of qualification really focuses on life skills - teaching learners the value of managing finance in the short and long term. This includes an introduction to basic financial concepts, an understanding of how to avoid debt, the consequences of not repaying and the different types of monetary products available with advice on how and when they can be used.

Learners also use their own circumstances, financial experiences, bank statements and financial records to complete the qualification. More than ever these qualifications are relevant and can be used to support the future generations.

Can these qualifications really make a difference? Only time will tell. However, by delivering these qualifications, schools, colleges and sixth forms are ensuring that young people understand these topics and are equipped with the knowledge to be able to make informed choices.

The qualifications may not be the answer to all these issues – drugs, healthy eating, equality – but they are a great start and could change the way that the next generation views them.

David Grailey is the chief executive of NCFE, the qualification awarding body

Read other FE News articles by David Grailey:

NCFE Chief David Grailey on how to help the young, free and unemployed

FE needs to encourage more adults into learning, says NCFE's David Grailey

NCFE's David Grailey tells FE News why vocational qualifications are set to soar