Dr Gillian Mooney, Dean of Academic Development and Support at The Independent Institute of Education, suggests grade 9 learners should consider the 3-P approach. This approach will help them weigh the pros and cons of subject combinations.
“When considering your options for this balance of subjects, you should take into account your Passion, your Performance, as well as the Potential options available to you in future,” says Dr Mooney.
Passion
Mooney says the current situation will help learners better understand which subjects they like more. This is because many are working from home without being influenced by perceptions that their peers or teachers might have.
“If you find yourself drawn to a particular subject, or that you have a natural feel for it, that’s a definite sign that you should consider it as part of your subject choice bundle. Of course it may be that you are good at something but have no idea how that can translate into a possible career down the line."
Mooney suggests online consultations with career centres and student counsellors at higher education institutions. During these consultations, potential career paths can be discussed and the counsellors can give information about careers that learners might not have considered or known about.
Potential
Mooney suggests taking gateway subjects, as these will allow for a wider range of career opportunities to be available.
“Certain subjects such as Maths and Science allow you to keep your options open, as many areas of further study require them. If you are one of the many who struggle with precisely these subjects, it may be worth keeping only one of them so that you can focus your efforts,” says Mooney.
She says learners who are struggling with a subject because of the lockdown should persevere.
“Things may be harder now, but it is worth persevering and getting additional help if necessary,” she says.
Performance
Even though gateway subjects like Maths and Science can open more career opportunities, it is also important to choose subjects that will boost your marks.
Universities are competitive and often accept applicants with high marks. If learners are struggling with gateway subjects, then they can look into taking other subjects.
“It makes sense to choose one or two subjects which will boost your aggregate and improve your chances of being accepted into the higher education institution and qualification of your choice,” she says.
Mooney says although Covid-19 has changed the current environment, grade nines should try to focus finding ways to broaden their study and career options.
The current environment may come with challenges, but it will also come with new opportunities and a different way of doing things.
“So be sure you are aware of emerging careers, and that you position yourself in such a way that you’ll be prepared for the workplace of the future, not the workplace of the past.
