Final answer:
Honours classes are beneficial as they provide a challenging curriculum and can prepare students for college, but they are not essential for everyone's academic success. It's the commitment and engagement in any class that largely contributes to a student's academic journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether or not honours classes are 'good' in high school is somewhat subjective, but they do offer several advantages. Honours classes can be beneficial because they provide a more challenging curriculum, which may lead to better preparation for college-level coursework. Programs such as Advanced Placement (AP) are known to be good predictors of college success and can enhance a student's understanding of a subject, making future courses easier to navigate. However, not taking honours classes will not necessarily doom one's academic career.
It is important to bring enthusiasm and preparation to every class, whether it is an honours course or not. Completing all assigned readings and actively participating in class can make the education process more engaging and beneficial, regardless of a student's social class and external responsibilities.
In conclusion, while not essential for everyone, honours classes can open up academic opportunities and can be a stepping stone towards academic enrichment. However, it is a student's diligence, engagement, and dedication to their education that ultimately determines their success.