Wow ... this has been an extremely interesting discussion.
On the one hand, I feel sorry for mathematically minded people who despise and can't handle english. If maths were to become compuslory, I would have given up at the start. However, on the other hand, complaints on this level are not well justified as it is true that maths / science subjects scale much higher than english subjects - it would appear that the BOS has compensated for the troubles scientific people have encountered whilst under taking the english course. One may argue (as many have in this discussion) that english should not be compulsory in the first place in order to avoid this conflict, however I disagree as it is true that English as a subject is extremely beneficial to expressing one self during life, be it through written or spoken word. This course also attempts to give each student a clearer understanding of the world around us, eg. 'Telling the Truth' opened my eyes up to the media. I will never read an article or watch the news in the same way again! Not only this, but the jewels of literature that exist in this world are amazing - they not only provide us with a history to our world and its people, and open our eyes to numerous possibilities but are works of art, facinating, wonderful and readily available. The English course aims to give us an in-depth understanding of these texts whilst allowing us freedom and experience in interpretting each work in our own unique and individual way. This may also enable each person to discover something about themselves that they may not have known before. It is invaluable! Not only this, but the Senior English course refined each student's skills in expressing themselves - extremely important as a life skill. Although Maths is extremely valuable to many - it is not to all, and I know for myself, that I will never use integration again, nor find a need for it in my chosen field, whereas the skills learnt in the english course are applicable to all fields in different ways. The skills are there for life! Never forget it. Count your blessings!