“The Future of careers in the next decade hinges on two main sectors that being Media, Information & Communication Technology (MICT) as we herald into the new Machine Age and the other being Business, Economics & Management Sciences (BEMS) where graduates will be required to compliment Government’s around the world in creating new job opportunities amongst hundreds and millions of unemployment youth today,” said Jay Ramnundlall, CEO of PC Training & Business College.
His vision for the youth has seen the College evolve over the last 24 years as learners are now more often caught seen with the Tablet PC device. While this apparatus may look as a new trend among youth, this technology has seen vast improvement in the success of past rates amongst the learners at the college.
Shedding some light on the importance of choosing subjects in Grade 10, Ramnundlall advised youth on selecting subjects in Grade 9 while keeping options open for sound and informed tertiary study.
Sound Advice
Choosing subjects in Grade 10 is an important decision as it affects ones future. Not an easy task as learners are around 15 years old and subjected to peer and parental pressure. Subjects have to be chosen from the Education Departments designated list of subjects and should be chosen to ensure a good all-round education, for growth, development and a future of ongoing learning. Subject choices should not be solely about future careers, although the process is obviously connected to later study and career choice.
Grade 9 learners must have 7 subjects for Grade 10.
You can choose as follows:
a) You must choose 2 languages (a home language plus a first additional language)
b) Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
c) Life Orientation and
d) Three other subjects that you can select from a list of 29 subjects
Career is important
Consider what career you want to pursue and work backwards from there. For example, you must know whether you want to follow the commerce route or the science route.
Media, Information & Communications Technology Science
The subjects you choose for Grade 10 will affect what you can do after Grade 12. If you want to study in Science, Engineering or Health Sciences after Grade 12, you should do Mathematics, English and Life Sciences or Physical Science.
Business, Economics & Management Science
If you prefer to study Commerce at university, you should choose Maths and Accounting. Learners are also advised to make sure they have more than one plan of action.
You must know what the entrance requirements are at the various tertiary institutions and the minimum points required for the career you want to pursue. One may get a Bachelors Pass but may not meet the minimum entrance requirements of a specific institution.
Gateway subjects are important
Most degrees require Maths and not Maths Literacy. Maths will allow you greater career and job opportunities. Most learners choose Maths Literacy as an easy route but will find it difficult to gain entrance to most University Degrees. On the flip side if one is performing at e.g. 15% in Maths then unfortunately this person will not make it in Maths and must face reality.
Be passionate
One must be passionate about doing certain subjects and not be influenced by peers or parents. If one is not keen on studying Accounting then one cannot pursue a career in Commerce – one cannot become a CA. To make this life changing process easy, learners are advised to also attend Open Days at tertiary institutions, talk to students that are currently enrolled or shadow someone during the school vacation in the chosen career.
Be realistic
Not everyone wants to do a Bachelor’s Degree after writing the National Senior Certificate. The South African National Senior Certificate has various levels of pass viz Bachelors Pass, Diploma Pass or Higher Certificate Pass. If one is not pursuing a Degree then the choice becomes more flexible. One may do a Diploma e.g. Diploma in Information Technology or Diploma in Business Studies.
One can also enrol at a Public or Private FET college. In such cases one may choose easier subjects like history, geography, and tourism or maths literacy.
When you complete Grade 9, you can stay at high school or you can go to an FET College. At an FET College, you can learn skills that will allow you to work in industries such as tourism, office administration, engineering or computers. You can also acquire the skills that are needed to become an artisan, such as a plumber, electrician, boilermaker or motor mechanic.
All stakeholders have a role
All stakeholders: teachers, counsellors, parents and tertiary students must play a role in guiding advising and supporting the child in making the right choices when choosing subjects for Grade 10.
PC Training & Business College has set a benchmark in empowering youth in taking the right decisions that will pave their way to a ‘bigger and brighter future!’
