When Choosing Subjects
As a parent it is also important to understand the relationship between the subjects that your child is learning at school as well as the Occupation that he/she is interested in for his/her future.
It is important that you help them to reflect about themselves. It is possible that the child might not have an idea of what they want to do, that is okay and some might be well informed of what they want to do.
Help them reflect about:
- What they are good at?
- What they are not good at?
- What interests and inspires them?
- What do they want to become?
Use the pie chart below to help them write their thoughts down to give them a clear indication of what they have reflected about. This will also assist you as a parent to help your child have realistic measurable options.
Choosing subjects
Choosing subjects can have an influence on what your child desires to study at a College or University, and their career aspirations in terms of the kind of job/work they would like to pursue in future.
Grade 9 is an important year in the life of every learner. Learners need to start thinking about possible careers during grade 9. Their choice will also depend on what subjects are offered at their school from Grade 10. In order to make the right choice of subjects in grade 10, learners should know the career path they wish to pursue on completion of Grade 12.
Learners must have seven subjects in order to obtain the National Senior Certificate in Grade 12. Four compulsory subjects and three which are chosen at the end of Grade 9 for Grade 10 - 12.
Compulsory and optional subjects
The four compulsory subjects are 2 official Languages (one Home Language and one First Additional Language), Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Orientation. Learners must also choose three optional subjects from a list of 25 approved subjects. Of these, a maximum of two additional languages may be selected. As a parent you may request a list of subjects offered at your child’s school and guidance from teachers to help you understand the subject combinations, so that you may be able to assist your child to select the correct combination of subjects effectively.
Learners are allowed to change two of the optional subjects in Grades 10 and 11. In Grade 12, learners are able to change one of the optional subjects.
If you want to know more about which subjects goes with which occupations or professions, feel free to visit our National Career Advice Portal (NCAP).
