Below are the subjects that you will be able to choose from. If you already have an idea of where, and what, you want to study, now is the time to get a prospectus from the institution. It will tell you which subjects (and marks) are required for admission into the different qualifications they offer.

NOTE: Science, Technology, Engineering & Medicine (STEM) generally require Pure Mathematics and Physical Science. Some Medical qualifications also require Life Science.

 You have to choose 7 Subjects

• 2 South African Languages
• One must be at Home language level and the other at First Additional language level
• One must be English
• Students with Immigrant status may take another subject instead of a 2nd South African Language

Mathematics: Creative, logical reasoning in the physical, social and mathematical world; descriptive, numerical, symbolic relationships; observing patterns; theories; abstract relationships; problem-solving

or

Mathematical Literacy: Role of Mathematics in the modern world; provide opportunities to solve real world problems using basic mathematical skills; develop mathematical life-skills; analyse real-life situations, creatively solving everyday problems

• Life Orientation
• 3 other Subjects from this list:
  • Accounting: Financial and managerial Accounting that includes: Ethics, Internal Controls, Accounting equation and the Accounting cycle ending in Financial statements.
  • Business Studies: Business Studies deals with internal operations of a business. It also looks at adding value to goods and services for the market which the business serves.
  • Computer Applications Technology: Microsoft Suite, databases, networking, hardware and many other applications; end-user computing.
  • Dramatic Arts: Study of plays, theatre history and acting methodologies.
  • Economics: Micro-economics (inputs and outputs; supply and demand), Macro-economics (labour unemployment etc) Growth and development and sustainability economics; History of economics.
  • Geography: Physical (climatology, geomorphology etc) and human (spatial patterns, demography etc.) environment and the interaction between the two; application of theory to the practice of mapwork.
  • History: Change and development in society over time and space; archaeology; oral history; evaluating how past human action impacts on the present and future.
  • Information Technology: Hardware and software theory; communication technologies; website, database and software development; programming.
  • Life Science: The study of life; changing natural and human environments; genetics.
  • Music: The art of organising sounds; musical expression; knowledge in South African, pan-African and global context
  • Physical Science: Physics curriculum: Kinematics (Motion in 1D), Newton’s Laws and Applications of Newton’s Laws, Momentum, Impulse, Work, Energy and Power, Gravitational and Electric Fields, Electric Circuits, Electrodynamics, Photons and Electrons.
    Chemistry curriculum: Quantitative Chemistry, Chemical Bonding, Energy Change & Rates of Reactions, Chemical Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry, Organic Chemistry
    Note: This is a very demanding course that requires strong skills in Mathematics.
  • Visual Arts: The Visual Arts Practical component requires students to explore a wide range of practical disciplines including drawing. There is also an important Theory part to this subject.

EXTRA SUBJECTS

An extra 8th subject may be taken when students are in Grade 10 by arrangement with the school.

We’ll tell you why – but first, let’s answer the question “what are STEAM subjects?”

STEAM fields are science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, or applied mathematics. STEAM is designed to integrate STEM subjects into various relevant education disciplines. These programs aim to teach students innovation, to think critically and use engineering or technology in imaginative designs or creative approaches to real-world problems while building on students’ mathematics and science base. STEAM programs add art to STEM curriculum by drawing on design principles and encouraging creative solutions: Source: Wikipedia

STEM stands for:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Art
• Maths

At school or college, the list of STEAM subjects is pretty big:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Design and technology
• Maths
• Information and communications technology (IT or ICT)
• Computer science
• Economics
• Geography

STEAM subjects are important because they form the basis of a huge number of careers. Some of these jobs might be obvious – like research scientist, doctor, engineer and accountant. But others – such as software developer, pilot, architect – are not so obvious.

That’s why it’s so important to think carefully about your career plans when choosing your subjects for grade 10. STEAM subjects also give you loads of transferable skills which you can apply in any career.

Take a look at this video to find out why you should consider a STEAM career:

STEAM careers are creative

Many STEAM careers need creativity as much as the more analytical skills traditionally associated with STEAM subjects. Most STEAM roles are about coming up with solutions to problems – and problem-solving is often about thinking creatively or “outside the box”.

Take architecture – it’s a core STEAM career. Architects use complex maths every day. And yet it’s one of the most creative careers out there. It’s a perfect examples of where maths and creativity come together.

At the same time, STEAM subjects require research, attention to detail and a critical approach which is useful in any profession or subject. This means STEAM and arts/humanities subjects complement each other well as skills gained in one can improve your approach to the other.

What careers can STEAM subjects lead to?

The breadth of careers STEAM subjects can lead to is actually pretty breathtaking.

Here’s a mix of the everyday – and the out-of-the-ordinary. We’ve even included a guide to the school/college subjects you must study to go into each profession:

• 
• Space scientist: From astronauts and rocket scientists to meteorologists and climate scientists, space scientists study the Earth’s atmosphere, as well as outer space and the things in it. Must study: Physics.
• Doctor: General practitioners see patients locally to diagnose illnesses, while consultants specialise in a particular area of medicine, and surgeons carry out operations. Must study: Biology.
• Civil engineer: Design the buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Must study: Maths.
• Accountant: Prepare and look at companies’ accounts: that is, the money they spend and receive. Must study: Maths.
• Web Developer: Use computer programming languages to build and improve websites and online apps. Must study: Maths.
• Marine biologist: Studies sea creatures, from their behaviour and the way they interact, to the impact of humankind. Must study: Biology.
• Automotive engineer: Design and improve land vehicles like cars, lorries and vans. Must study: Maths.
• Chemical engineer: Make and improve medicines, household products like detergents, and cosmetics, which involve the use of chemicals. Must study: Maths.
• Architect: Come up with the designs for buildings and other things in the built environment, from bridges to football stadiums. Must study: Maths.
• Statistician: Use information to draw conclusions about the real-world. Must study: Maths.

What’s great about STEAM careers?

Good employment prospects

Today, South Africa and many other countries face a skills shortage in STEAM. This is bad news for the country. If this continues, there will not be enough people in fields such as engineering, medical research and even healthcare to meet our needs and keep the economy going.

The upside is it’s good news for STEM graduates as it means there are plenty of jobs for those with STEM qualifications.

STEAM skills are flexible

If you studying engineering, you end up in engineering – right? If you study computer science, you have to be a programmer?

Not necessarily. While it’s true that STEAM subjects – whether studied at university or through a TVET college – lead towards a particular career, the skills you pick up are very transferable. That means you can apply them to lots of different jobs.

‘Great transferable skills mean all learners should consider studying 1+ STEAM subject’

Here are some of the skills you’ll pick up by studying virtually any STEAM subject:

• Problem-solving
• Lateral thinking
• Critical thinking

According to research, analysing and investigating is the fourth-most sought after skill by employers.

You can make a difference

The sheer breadth of STEAM roles means there’s bound to be something you care about. Here are just some of the ways you could make a difference by pursuing a STEAM career:

• Protect wildlife as a biologist.
• Tackle global warming as a climate scientist.
• Develop new treatments for disease as a chemical engineer.
• Help treat and cure patients as a doctor or nurse.
• Develop greener ways of powering vehicles as an automotive engineer.

You can earn a lot of money

Adzuna’s research, which was conducted in August 2018, compared the average salaries of jobs that require applicants to have specific STEAM degrees. Coming in at the top of the results, chemical engineers earned average salaries of R603,999 if they held bachelors or master’s degrees in the subject. Graduates with civil engineering and computer science degrees came in at second and third place, earning average salaries of R577,579 and R546,259 respectively.

Graduates that have degrees in mathematics and life sciences are offered average take-home pays of R389,887 and R313,400.

Do I have to go to university?

No. TVET and Universities of Technology also require STEM subjects for some qualifications,
Other STEM careers do require a university degree, such as doctor, nurse, research scientist, and marine biologist.

Our tips

• Think about what you’d like to do in your career so you know how STEM subjects can help you. Take a look at our post “What job should I do?”
• Take at least one STEM subject, even if you’re considering a non-STEM career, or are planning to study for an arts or humanities degree at university.

Image credits

1. Pixabay

2. Freepik 

3. Freepik

You CAN change a certain number of subjects, depending on the rules for public schools.  (Please double check with your Province’s Education Department.)

1. A learner can change 2 subjects in GRADE 10 and 11. This will be managed by your school. The closing date: 31st July.
2. In exceptional cases a learner can change ONE subject in GRADE 12 if the school think it’s in the best interests of the learner. The school may only take this decision after consulting with the Head of Department. The closing date: 30 January for the subject change for GRADE 12 learners.

What must I do to change my subjects?

You must submit the following:

1. a letter of motivation from a parent or your guardian
2. a letter from your Principal either supporting, or providing reasons for not supporting, your change
3. a letter from the subject teacher explaining the programme to be followed to help the learner to cover all the aspects of the curriculum statement for the previous grades that were missed

3 Things to consider before you change your subjects:

1. Think about what you want to do as a career. Make sure your subject choices support this career rather than just choosing something that may be easier. Your decision will affect your future, so think carefully.
2. The later you leave it – the harder you’ll have to work to catch up the new subject/s.
3. By studying something you love, you’ll be more motivated to do well.

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ – Nelson Mandela 

Different schools have different expectations, but most need you to make the decision by a deadline that is usually between August and October of your Grade 9 year.

One of the compulsory subjects required by the NSC (National Senior Certificate) is either Maths or Maths Literacy, meaning that you need to make a choice between the two.

Tips to help you to decide between Maths and Maths Literacy:

1. Start early

This isn’t a decision that you’ll want to leave until the last minute. Give yourself lots of time to research and make the right decision by starting now!

2. Take accountability

While your parents and school career counsellor or Life Orientation teacher are happy to help and support you with your decision, at the end of the day, it is a decision that you need to make for yourself. Ask them for help as and when you need it but make sure that you take responsibility for the decision.

3. Research the impact of maths and maths literacy on your study options

The biggest impact that your subject choice has is on the tertiary education opportunities available to you after school. In other words, whether you decide to take Maths or Maths Literacy has an impact on the degrees or diplomas that you are able to study after school.

Generally speaking, most universities require you to take Maths in order to be accepted to study within the fields of Commerce; Engineering, The Built Environment and IT, Health Sciences and Science.

Maths Literacy is typically accepted for fields such as Humanities/ Arts and Education (depending on your specialisation). These are just some examples and requirements differ from institution to institution.

There are also exceptions to the above, for example, some Humanities degrees (such as Psychology at UCT) require Maths.

As there are no hard and fast rules, the best idea is to research the subject requirements for at least 3 degrees or diplomas that interest you, at three different universities or tertiary institutions. This can be challenging as each website is different and they can be tricky to navigate. However, it is well worth investing the time into doing this. Get a supportive parent, friend or teacher to give you a hand.

4. Start brain-storming career options

Very few people know exactly what they want to do after school, when they are in Grade 9. Don’t stress if you have no idea what you want do study or what field you want to work in – that’s completely natural. However, every little bit of research that you do will help you to gain a clearer idea of the type of career that appeals to you and those that don’t. Gaining an idea of this will help you to select an appropriate course of study and as a result, ensure that you are choosing the right subjects.

Here are some exciting career choices available.

5. Improve your self-awareness:

Find out more about your strengths and interests by conducting Informational interviews: this is fancy terminology for simply speaking to people who are doing something that interests you. For example, you could interview someone working in a career, attending a university or studying for a degree or diploma that interests you. Make an appointment with them and come prepared with questions. This will give you added insight into whether or not these options suit you. (Try to conduct a few interviews as a single interview only gives you one person’s opinion).

6. Job Shadowing:

Although most job shadowing programmes are only done in Grade 11, why not start early?! If you feel daunted by the idea, try to find a family member or close family friend to start the process with. Spending a day with a working professional is a great way to find out more about a career that interests you.

7. Look at your exam marks

In order to be accepted to study a degree or diploma, tertiary institutions require you to achieve certain grades. These can be very high, depending on what you decide to study. Take a look at your Maths marks over the past two years and think about the following:

1. Based on my marks, would I say that Maths is one of my strengths?
2. Have I performed consistently in my Maths marks each year?
3. Do I find Maths interesting?
4. Are my Maths marks a true reflection of my ability? If not, what can I do about it? (Read on for some ideas that could help)

8. Get extra help

Most learners find Maths challenging and unfortunately the content gets harder from Grade 10 onwards. If you are struggling with Maths, it is advisable to invest some extra time into the subject. You have a few options such as investing some extra time into your Maths on your own – spending as little as fifteen extra minutes a day would be a great start.

If you feel as though Maths is a real challenge for you, try Master Maths (tutor-assisted lessons on a computer where you can go at your own pace –www.mastermaths.co.za) or a tutor who comes to your home (www.teachme2.co.za). You could also ask your school if there are any support structures for those needing a little extra help with their Maths.

9. Get the advice of your maths teacher

Your Maths teacher has been through this process with several Grade 9 classes in the past and as a result, has experience on the topic. Ask his or her advice regarding whether you should take Maths or Maths literacy, based on your abilities, and find out the reason why.

This decision can be a daunting one, with family, teachers, and friends giving you conflicting advice. However, it is also an exciting one as it is the first of many career decisions to come.

10. Be proactive:

By starting your research and decision making early, you’ll avoid the stress of having to make an uninformed, last minute decision.

‘The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence.’ – Charles Caleb Colton

You will need to pass 7 subjects to qualify for  the National Senior Certificate: (NSC)

• 4 compulsory subjects
• 3 subjects chosen from a list of 29 subjects approved by the Department of Education

The 4 compulsory subjects are:

• First Language
• Second Language
• Mathematics or Maths Literacy
• Life Orientation

University entrance:

If you want to go to University after you finished school, you will need to achieve an NSC with an achievement rating of 4 or better in at least four subjects chosen from the designated 20 credit NSC subjects listed below:

Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Consumer Studies, Information Technology, Languages (refer to institution websites for their language entry requirements), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies, and Visual Arts.

Universities of Technology

If you want to attend a University of Technology you will need to achieve an NSC with four of the designated NSC 20-credit an achievement rating of three or better  subjects listed below:

Accounting, Agricultural Management Practices, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural technology, Business Studies, Civil Technology, Computer Applications Technology,  Consumer Studies, Dance Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Electrical Technology, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Hospitality Studies, Information Technology, Languages (refer to institution websites for their language requirements), Life Sciences, Mechanical Technology, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion studies, Tourism and Visual Arts.

Many courses have their own additional subject requirements, so it is important to check the admission requirements for the educational institutions you would like to attend.

• Level 7: 80 – 100% (Outstanding achievement)
• Level 6: 70 – 79% (Meritorious achievement)
• Level 5: 60 – 69% (Substantial achievement)
• Level 4: 50 – 59% (Moderate achievement)
• Level 3: 40 – 49% (Adequate achievement)
• Level 2: 30 – 39% (Elementary achievement)
• Level 1: 0 – 29% (Not achieved – Fail)

‘Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.’  – Lou Holtz (American Football coach, 1937-1980)

Whichever subjects you choose, it’s important to get good results.  Working hard and getting good marks may help you get into college or university.

If there are many people applying for the same opportunity, all with the same qualification, the one with the highest marks will probably get it.  It’s important to prepare yourself in the best possible way.

Where am I now?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What am I passionate about?  What do I like doing?

• What subjects do I enjoy at school?

• Which subjects am I good at?  Are they also the subjects I enjoy?

• What are my marks in these subjects?

• Can I see myself studying further?

• What careers support my subject choice?

• If my marks are low can I improve them?  Can I take extra lessons?  Can I pay more attention in class? Study harder and longer?  Can the teacher give me extra homework?  Can a friend help?

An important fact is that it is never too late to improve your marks.

Once you have realised what your strong subjects are, then it’s time to find out what jobs will suit your interests.  If you have a school guidance counsellor or a teacher you like, discuss your career ideas with them.  Talk through your options with your parents.  They all might be able to guide you with direction and subject choices.

On your own, research various jobs and job opportunities on Career Planet’s website.  Try to contact people working in that field.   Call them on the phone or make an appointment to see them.  Speaking to people already in the job will give you the opportunity to collect up-to-date information. If you sound positive and motivated, you might be lucky enough to be offered a job-shadowing position during your school holidays. If not, be brave and ask for one.

The more information and experience you collect, the more confident you will be in making your Grade 9 subject choice.

Where am I going?

Students who only complete Grade 10 have fewer opportunities for jobs than people who complete their matric.  Also, students who only complete their matric, will have less opportunities than those who try to study further. You can study part-time or full time.  Every bit of education (formal or informal) will help you climb the steps to success.

After researching various job options you like, the next step is to find out what qualifications you will need to prepare for that job.  These qualifications will need certain school subjects.  They will need good marks too. All this information can be found on the Get Skills page on Career Planet.

How can my school help me?

Talk to your Life Orientation and other teachers and make sure they explain the school subject choices available to you.

The school timetable can cause problems so make sure your subject choices don’t clash with each other.  Sometimes you cannot do exactly what you want. Choices might have to be made to fit the school’s timetable.

Tip:  Always have a Plan A (first choice for subjects) and a Plan B (second choice for subjects) just in case your first choice is not available.

Am I ready?

Collect as much information as you can on careers you are interested in.

Make notes.  Talk to people in the industry.  Try to work-shadow for a week or two during your school holidays to get a feel for the job.  Did you love it or not?  Swop notes and information with your friends.  The more information you collect, the more qualified you are in making one of the most important decisions of your life:  Grade 9 subject choice!!!

5 important things to remember which will help you step ahead from the bunch:

1. Good results
2. A varied skill set
3. Positive attitude
4. A desire to work hard
5. Motivated to learn

Keep asking questions – Keep researching – Keep learning – Keep being positive!

Good things will come to those who persevere

‘In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.’ – Eleanor Roosevelt