SUBJECT CHOICES: THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS

Grade Nine students across South Africa will soon be tasked with deciding which subjects to pursue from next year until they sit for their final examinations at the end of Grade 12. It is a significantly challenging process for most students (and the parents who must support them), particularly for those young people who yet still need to have a clear idea regarding what studies and careers they might want to pursue in future.

To assist with this important exercise, an education expert has put together a helpful guide with practical steps to guide students and parents toward making the best, most informed decisions they are able to make.

Adrian Garden, Deputy Dean: Teaching & Learning at The Independent Institute of Education’s Rosebank College, says the most important thing to remember is that subject choices are selected in such a way that it leaves as many doors as possible open based on an individual’s interests and ability in specific areas.

“It is hard for almost everyone to make a decision which will have implications a few years into the future, but if you take some time to carefully consider and investigate which subjects will best serve you as an individual down the line, you will have a good foundation from which to launch your post-school endeavours,” he says.

 STUDENTS

1) Understand who you are

Your values, personality, aptitude, talents and passion significantly influence your career choice. It is crucial to explore these aspects of yourself. Professional psychometrists can help you explore these avenues. Still, there are also accessible online assessments that can provide insights: the Myers Briggs test, Aptitude test and Multiple intelligences assessment.

2) Look for careers that match your strengths, passion and talent

The best opportunity to excel and advance while gaining a positive workplace reputation will arise if you can apply your passion, talents and abilities in your chosen career. Some professionals can assist with identifying these traits, but your school career counsellor is also available, as well as a family support structure and online resources and tests. Once you have an idea of the possible careers that suit your profile, you can explore them further by researching what the career entails, speaking to people in that field about their experiences, and even shadowing the person during your breaks to see what the job is actually like. Understanding where these successful candidates started and targeting potential job roles is advantageous. One place to start is by taking this online Career test.

3) Identify the qualification that gives you the best shot at being hired in that career 

This will allow you to narrow down the combination of school subjects you need to study that particular qualification at a higher education institution (either public or private). It will also give you a firm objective and attainment goal for the results you must achieve to be accepted on that course. You will become familiar with admission requirements, minimum achievement scores and specific subject choices that the Higher Education institution seeks. 

4) Choose subjects that will allow entry into your tertiary qualification of choice

Based on the admission requirements, you can decide on the combination of subjects that will get you entry to the course you want to study at a higher education institution. It is essential to seek guidance from your teachers, career counsellors, family support structures and the HE institution to ensure you have selected the correct combination of subjects. When selecting optional subjects, it is essential to identify subjects that will improve your aggregate score. In some instances, choosing Math Literacy over Core Maths could be preferable because you can focus on achieving high scores in all chosen subjects and thus secure entry into the qualification you want to study. 

PARENTS

1) Help your child discover their path

As parents and guardians, it is very tempting to gently (or even not so gently) steer our children down a particular path or choose their career for them. We often decide which higher education qualification our children should enrol for and go to great lengths to make that a reality. We must recognise that our children have unique strengths, skills and abilities. They also have dreams and aspirations. If we guide them to a career that allows them to fulfil these dreams, they will undoubtedly be successful. 

2) Help them with the admin and logistics

Choosing appropriate subjects in Grade 10 is quite an involved process. Your child will need help to schedule appointments, arrange meetings, connect with professionals in that career, and arrange work shadow experience, for instance. Assisting on the logistical side will relieve some of the anxiety and stress associated with the elimination and decision-making process.

3) Remind and encourage your child as they develop the vision for their life

Sometimes, children need to be reminded about the reasons for their effort. Encourage your child by reminding them of their strengths and long-term vision for their life, and create a supportive environment where they feel safe to talk and are open to guidance.