In some countries, at secondary at high school, there may be two or three streams of studies, academic or vocational. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this to the students and the society of putting students at the two streams at the age of 15?

 In some countries, at secondary at high school, there may be two or three streams of studies, academic or vocational. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this to the students and the society of putting students at the two streams at the age of 15? 

Nowadays, educational systems in many countries entail segregation of high school learners into two or three streams. This practice has been hailed as beneficial by many, but it will be too naive to overlook its pitfalls. 

Such an arrangement is laden with a prominent benefit. It  allows pupils to invest  their energy into learning a limited number of subjects- where they have their inclination, which can save their invaluable time and efforts that they otherwise are forced to allocate to other subjects having little relevance for their future academic and professional pursuits. This can aid them tremendously in gaining proficiency in their area of study, elevating their confidence and self-esteem, and preparing them for the occupation they may likely choose as professions. 

Furthermore, society will be the direct beneficiary of this since the learners graduating in specific streams from formal tuition will be in a better position to chart their future path prudently and quickly, and enroll themselves into higher courses that would lead them into gaining various trade specific skills, making available specialists in disparate professions crucial to development of country.

However, this system is not devoid of shortcomings. It  clearly defeats the primary objective of education, creating a society of equals, and instead it predisposes future generations to a permanent wedge between those who grow up to be too robotic - those studying subjects connected to science, and those who turn into impractical adults, who choose arts, or money-minded, those choosing commerce; thus, it might result creating a society of incompatibles. 

Overall, despite such an approach carrying both pros and cons, it seems to be the answer to the future requirements of society, which will be in the need of skills in diverse areas, and streaming would speed up the generation of such expertise.