Grade 9 students are currently approaching a critical milestone in their educational journey: selecting the subjects they will study from Grade 10 through to their final Matric exams.
“Even if you’re unsure about what you want to pursue after school, thoughtful planning can help you make informed decisions that keep your options open.”
This decision is a foundational step in shaping both their academic path and future career opportunities, says Wonga Ntshinga, Senior Head of Programme: Faculty of ICT at The Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s largest and most accredited private higher education provider.
According to Ntshinga, while subject selection can feel overwhelming, it is a crucial process that will influence academic performance and future options. Therefore, it’s essential that students carefully consider their choices, taking into account their individual strengths and interests.
“The subjects you select for Grade 10 to 12 will influence your performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. These choices will also affect your eligibility for further studies and certain career paths.
“The transition from Grade Nine to Grade Ten is significant because your subject combination lays the groundwork for your future academic and professional opportunities. By choosing wisely, you can position yourself for success in Matric while maintaining flexibility for your post-school plans,” Ntshinga says.
Key factors to consider when choosing subjects
• Align with your interests and strengths
Choose subjects you enjoy and in which you perform well. Selecting subjects that spark your curiosity will help keep you motivated, even when the workload becomes challenging. Reflect on your academic strengths – do you excel in logical subjects like Mathematics or in creative ones such as Dramatic Arts? For example, if you’re good at problem-solving, subjects like Accounting or Information Technology may be a good fit.
• Keep your options open
If you’re unsure about your future career path, prioritise subjects that offer versatility. Broadly applicable subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Geography equip you with critical thinking and numeracy skills that are highly valued across a range of university programmes and industries. Avoid selecting subjects solely because they seem easier, as this may limit your opportunities later on. For instance, many science and engineering degrees require Mathematics and Physical Sciences, rather than Mathematical Literacy.
• Explore career and study requirements
Even without a clear career goal, it’s helpful to research the subject requirements for potential fields of interest. For example, a career in medicine requires Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Life Sciences, while law benefits from subjects like History or English, which emphasise analysis and communication. Check university admission requirements for programmes that appeal to you. Speaking with a career adviser or attending university open days can also help you understand which subjects align with in-demand fields.
• Consider emerging trends
The job market is evolving rapidly, with increasing opportunities in areas such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability. Subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Information Technology can prepare you for these high-demand sectors. Considering future industries can help you choose subjects that position you for long-term success.
It’s also important to explore career paths beyond the traditional 3–4-year degrees. Today, a wide range of options exist that are aligned with industry demand and specialised skill sets. Broaden your research into higher education – you may discover the perfect path for you, one that didn’t even exist a few years ago.
• Aim for balance
Select a subject combination that challenges you while still allowing you to perform well. Including one or two subjects where you can achieve high marks can boost your overall Matric results, which is crucial for university entry. For example, pairing a demanding subject like Physical Sciences with a more manageable one such as Life Sciences can provide a balanced workload, keeping your options open while supporting a strong Matric performance.
• Decide between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy
Choosing between Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is a key decision. Mathematics is essential for careers in engineering, science, or commerce, while Mathematical Literacy is more suited to the humanities or vocational pathways. If you’re uncertain, Mathematics is the safer option as it opens more doors to university programmes. If you find Mathematics difficult, speak with your teacher to see whether additional effort or support over the next three years could help you succeed.
“When making subject choices in Grade Nine, it is helpful to start from where you want to be in 4 years’ time, and then reverse engineer how you might get there,” Ntshinga says.
“Consult teachers, career counsellors, or student advisors at universities both public and private for tailored guidance. Teachers can assess your academic strengths, while counsellors and student advisors can explain how subjects connect to career paths.
“Also consider going to university Open Days. Although you don’t yet have to decide what to study, you are almost certain to gain highly valuable insights into your options after school, as well as gaining helpful advice and insights from professionals on campus,” Ntshinga added.
