Subject Choice
Upon successful completion of Grade 9, you will be required to choose subjects according to the Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC). Not all schools offer the same subject choices so make sure to ask your teacher.
There are various subjects one can choose from but it is key to bear in mind 3 things:
1. What subjects are offered in your high school
2. What are your career interests
3. What are your personal interests
If you need more guidance in terms of which subjects to choose, you can access the National Career Advice Portal (NCAP) subject chooser by clicking here.
SOME CAREER OPTIONS:
| SUBJECTS FIELDS OF STUDY | EXAMPLES OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Farm Manager, Nature Conservationist: Horticulturalist, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural Engineer, Farmer, Landscape Engineer, Teacher |
| Equine Studies | Veterinarian, Jockey, Horse Trainer, Horse Breeder, Horse Rider |
| Civil Technology | Draughtsperson, Shop Fitter , Cabinetmaker, Carpenter and Joiner, Plumber, Bricklayer and Plasterer |
| Engineering Graphics and Design | Architect, Electrical Draughtsperson, Mechanical Draughtsperson, Designer (furniture, motor vehicles, aeronautics) |
| Nautical Sciences | Deck Hand, Deck Officer, Harbour Master, Ship’s Mate, Master Captain, Yacht Captain, Navigator, Tug Master |
| Mechanical Technology | Automotive Technician, Aircraft Technician, Automotive Mechanic, Boilermaker, Earthmoving Equipment Mechanic, Fitter and Turner, Welder |
| Electrical Technology | Electrician, Auto-Electrician, Electrical Fitter, Electrical Draughtsperson, Electrical or Electronics Technician, Electrical or Electronics Technologist |
| Mathematics | Medical Doctor, Teacher, Pharmacist, Physicist, Actuary, Dentist, Town Planner, Astronomist, Engineer, Technologist, Technician, Architect, Scientist, Aeroplane Pilot, Information Technology Specialist |
| Mathematical Literacy | Teacher, Plumber, Bricklayer, Welder, Computer Programmer, Bookkeeper, Chef, Social Worker, Sales Executive, Journalist, Business Manager, Caterer |
| Physical Sciences | Medical Doctor, Teacher, Pharmacist, Physicist, Actuary, Dentist, Town Planner, Astronomer/ Scientist, Engineer, Technologist, Technician, Architect, Scientist, Aeroplane Pilot, Information Technology Specialist |
| Computer Technology | Database Designer, Information Technology Specialist, Computer Technician, Software Engineer, Computer Programmer |
| Life Sciences | Marine Biologist, Microbiologist, Bio-Chemist, Ecologist, Physiotherapist , Botanist, Zoologist, Pharmacist |
| Economics | Chartered Accountant, Economist, Tax Consultant, Auditor, Stock Broker, Budget Analyst, Business Analyst, Investment Analyst, Market Researcher, Bookkeeper |
| Accounting | Chartered Accountant, State Accountant, Financial Accountant, Bookkeeper, Banking Services, Production Manager, Industrial Buyer, Retail Sales Executive, Systems Analyst, Auctioneer, Chief Financial Officer |
| History | Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Researcher, Tourism Practitioner, Archaeologist, Historian, Legal Practitioner, Politician, Diplomat, Librarian, Marketer, Tour Guide |
| Geography | Environmental Planner, Environmental Journalist, Town Planner, Rural and Urban Planner, Map Maker, Meteorologist, Conservationist |
| Religious Studies | Minister, Social Worker, Development Worker, Human Rights Worker, Researcher, Journalist, Community Service worker |
| Hospitality | Tour Guide, Tour Information Officer, Flight Attendant, Purser, Restaurant Manager, Hotel Manager, Chef, Bartender, Waitron (restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, fast food outlets, bed-and breakfast establishments), Food and Beverage Manager, Banqueting Manager, Entrepreneur, Product Developer, Events Manager, Travel Agent, Fashion Designer |
| Music | Musician, Singer, Recording Studio Technician, Composer, Music Teacher, Sound Technician, Arts Manager |
| Dramatic Arts, Television Studies and Dance Studies | Actor (stage, TV, movies), Director, TV Producer, TV Announcer, Radio Announcer, Set/Costume/ Lighting/Sound Designer, Arts Manager, Speech Therapist, Public Relations Officer, Media Relations Coordinator, Dancer, Choreographer, Drama or Dance Teacher, Critic, Dance Administrator, Aerobics Instructor, Dance Therapist, Fashion Show Director |
| Visual arts | Artist, Desktop Publisher, Curator of an Art Gallery, Art Historian, Critic, Arts Manager, Teacher, Video Producer, Photographer, Digital Designer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Framer |
| Languages | Interpreter, Journalist, Media Broadcaster, Author, Publisher, Editor, Tour Guide, Translator |
You need to go to the Department of Basic Education's site where you will be provided with detailed information on how to choose subjects in grade 9, click here to access information on subject choice.
