How to Choose Subjects in Grade 10
Your subject choices shape your university and career options. Here's what you need to know.
Understanding streams
Your subject choices often align with a broad stream:
- Academic: Maths (or Maths Lit), Languages, Life Sciences, Physical Science, History/Geography, etc. — for university degrees that need specific subjects and APS.
- Technical/Vocational: Subjects like CAT, IT, Technical Maths/Science — for practical and technical careers and some tertiary courses.
Many degrees (e.g. Medicine, Engineering, BCom) require Mathematics and sometimes Physical Science. Choosing Maths Lit limits some degree options later.
What to think about
- Which careers or degrees interest you? Check their subject and APS requirements.
- Do you enjoy and perform better in Maths or in more language/humanities subjects?
- Keep the door open: if you're unsure, taking Mathematics (not Maths Lit) keeps more options open.
- You usually need at least one language at Home Language level and one at FAL level for the NSC.
Check your choices
See how your current or planned subjects match different careers and degrees.
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