8 bright ideas for the tough choices Grade 9s make!

Grade 9 pupils in South Africa often deal with a lot of stress around what subjects they should choose at the end of the Grade 9 year. High school learners need to make subject choices that will impact their tertiary education in a big way ....and some of these are exceptionally hard choices - so many factors need to be considered. In the interests of always trying to help parents and students alike, here are 8 bright ideas for the tough choices Grade 9s make ...

1) Choose subjects well - Graduating from Grade 9 into Grade 10, our learners are expected to choose three subjects depending of what the school offers. Compulsory subjects are: One home language; One first additional language; Life orientation and either Maths pure or Maths literacy. Maths literacy should be a last resort as it doesn’t open up as many tertiary degree doors. Already in grade 9, it may be advisable to seek the help of a good tutor to give your child a head start to continue with Maths pure from grade 10-12.

2) Hard work counts - In order for a learner to obtain an NSC pass at the end of Matric they need 7 subjects and to achieve a minimum of 40% for 3 subjects (including home language), as well as at least 30% for 3 of your 7 subjects. There is some leeway on passing the first additional language, depending on the average of your other marks. It is important to remember if you want to study at tertiary level, obtaining an NSC pass alone will not allow you to do so. Students need to work their best and aim high on all subjects to gain entry to tertiary education. Again, some extra tuition may help at this level.

3) Know your future - It’s important that you have some idea of what you would like to do after school, study, work etc…these are things to give serious consideration so your subject choice is right. Proper choices are imperative.

4) Sacrifice and perseverance – Hard work and perseverance with the tougher subjects to make more degree options available will reward your future. Don’t take short cuts to just pass matric! Get help with tougher subjects from a company like Educore solutions who can provide expert tutoring.

5) Play it safe - If you not sure what you would like to study, these are ‘safe’ subjects that can open up many doors once you’ve finished matric - Maths, Science, Life Sciences, Accounting, Technical Drawing and Geography. These subjects can be used in most fields of work such as Science, Engineering, Medicine, Accounting and Agriculture. If you are strong in languages and would like to pursue a career in that line of work, then languages and art could be a great option. If you are planning something more business related you could look at Accounting, Business, Economic and Consumer studies.

6) Visit some Varsities – It’s a great idea to visit some universities now to get a better understanding on the requirements for certain degrees. Check out what they offer and what the criteria is for each course.

7) Get guidance - If you are struggling with your choices it might be a great idea to chat to your school Career Councillor for some guidance. Consider what you are good at - don’t sell yourself short – it’s important that you are also personally happy with your subject choices!

8) Start now! - Don’t rush the process. Start looking now so you are comfortable by the last term of Grade 9 that you have made the correct subject choices.

We hope these 8 bright ideas for the tough choices Grade 9s make have been helpful to you ... and remember we live to try to make yours and your child’s life of learning a more satisfying and successful one. Visit our website, which is a mine of useful information or Contact us to immediately start ‘reaching your child’s full potential.’