Careers advice
All students from Year 9 have access to Careers Central, an online personalised career planning resource. Additionally, students have calendered career sessions with Mrs Koning. Students who understand where they want to aim for in their studies, or which career pathway to follow will be better prepared to choose the subjects and course options that are right for them.
The ‘Parents as Career Educators’ material on the following pages (adapted from the University of Canterbury’s Careers, Internships & Employment Centre), provides advice for parents on questions they can ask and steps they can take to help their son/daughter identify future study and career options. We also have some simple tips to help with subject selection – the most important piece of advice is to leave yourself enough time to choose your subjects.
Talk to whānau and teachers about your career interests, skills, abilities, and talents and the pathways that fit with your strengths and interests. When choosing your subjects make sure you look ahead and consider the prerequisites you will need for future tertiary study options. This guide includes information on how to gain university entrance but students and parents need to check the specific entry requirements for different universities and degree programmes by visiting the university websites.
Mrs Toni Koning
Tips to help you select
your subjects
Set aside enough time
Give yourself plenty of time to select your subjects while using this guide.
Pick a mix of subjects
Even if mathematics is your passion, try to choose at least one or two subjects from another area of study such as the humanities or the arts – many university competitive programmes are looking for a breadth of interests in their candidates.
Challenge your assumptions
If you decided on your ideal career or qualification while you were still in Year 9 or 10, think about whether your areas of interest are still the same now. Ask yourself which subjects you really enjoy, and where else they could lead?
Look ahead – check prerequisites.
If you know the subjects you want to take over the next couple of years and/or the University course you want to apply for, then research the prerequisites.
Entry to some subjects and courses will depend on your subjects and achievement levels in previous years.
Ask for help
Visit career educators, talk to your teachers, ask your parents and family. Discuss your subject strengths and what you enjoy and ask them to share their ideas on subjects and career pathways.
Think about what you enjoy
Interest and enthusiasm for your subjects are important motivators for study and success.
Subject choice formula
Use the following formula and decision making model to help you make your subject choices.
INTEREST
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What do you enjoy?
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Do not choose a subject just because you like the teacher, or because your friends are in the class
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If you are interested in a subject, you’re most likely to do well
ABILITY
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How good are you at a subject?
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Assessment will help you to determine your ability
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Discuss your ability level with your teachers
CAREER IDEAS
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If you have some career options in mind, as the Careers Advisor which subjects you should take
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If you are not clear about future careers, keep your options open by not specialising too soon. Ask for assistance
SUBJECT CHOICES
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After following all the advice provided, you should be able to make an informed decision about your subject choices.
Check that you have met Literacy and Numeracy requirements and that you have chosen the required subjects for University Entrance if appropriate.
FAQ's
Choosing subjecst sounds complicated.
If you stay organised and seek advice weighing your options are not as complicated as they first appear. It’s fine to follow your heart, but also make sure to read the guidelines with each course.
How do students select courses for next year?
Each student will be sent an online enrolment form via their school email account. The form will contain instructions about how to enrol, and students should be encouraged to check their email inbox regularly for updates.
What type of decisions go into course selection?
Consultation with the Careers Leader for questions concerning course selection are available to all students. Some courses require prerequisites to be met, and
all courses should be selected in alignment with student’s academic and career plans. Students should select courses that are consistent with their abilities
and work ethics.
How does the Careers Leader assist with course selection?
The Careers Leader assists students in deciding what career(s) they wish to pursue and develops plans to achieve those goals. Advice is given to select courses aligned with academic and career plans. Assistance is provided to ensure prerequisites are met for various courses. Advice is provided to help the student select the right course suited to their academic and career plans.
Can I take a reduced course load?
It is possible to take a reduced course load with the approval of both the Support for Learning Leader and the Careers Leader. All student programmes are tailored to customise the learning needs of each individual student.
When are student timetables finalised and when are they available to students and parents?
All timetable decisions are made at the end of Term 4 in December. Students will receive their individual timetable when they return to school in the next school year. All timetables will be posted onto the parent portal on the school’s website.
What courses are recommended by teachers?
A teacher can recommend a course for a particular student, in this instance the teachers take into consideration the student’s classroom performance, attitude, and work ethic.
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Mathematics and English are mandatory subject choices for IGCSE in years 10 and 11
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All students must select an English course in AS Level Year 12 study
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There are no mandatory subjects in Year 13
Will the timetable change?
The timetable may change at the commencement of the second semester. This will be to ensure an equal allocation of curriculum time in the junior school.
Can I enrol in a course if I do not have the appropriate prerequisites?
Students will require a convincing reason(s) to enrol in a course of study where they have not met required prerequisites. They will need to meet with the appropriate Curriculum Leader to seek approval for course entry and this must be confirmed by the Careers Leader. Approval is not automatic, nor is it guaranteed. The prime reason for this is to ensure students are not setting themselves up for failure.
What is a prerequisite?
Some courses require students to meet one or more prerequisites in order to get into the course. A prerequisite is a requirement or condition that must be met before you are able to enrol in a course. These might include a required grade, enrolment in another course of study either previously or at the same time or mastery of specific skill sets. For example, students wishing to enter into a Cambridge International AS course must have at least a ‘C’ grade at IGCSE level in that subject. Subjects such as Mathematics have a higher prerequisite.
To enter a Cambridge International A level course, students must have a ‘D’ grade (the minimum university entrance standard) at AS level in that subject. Different courses have different requirements so students should plan at least a year ahead in selecting their courses.
What if I take the ‘wrong’ course?
There is no such thing. Make thoughtful, responsible decisions and work with your parents, friends, and teachers. Discovering that a particular field is not right for you is every bit as important as discovering your core intellectual passion. There is value in every course and you can learn a lot about yourself from the ones you find less manageable.
Can I take two courses if they clash on the timetable?
If you are interested in two courses that meet at the same time, you will have to choose between them! In exceptional circumstances an alternative arrangement may be made for self-study but students will need to provide evidence of an excellent academic history.
What if I would like to request a change of subject?
There are two forms on the Student Portal:
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“Change of subject application form”: this is for changes requested throughout the year and is only approved in extenuating circumstances
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“Change of subject before the start of the year application form”
How do I know if the subject I want to take is "Hard"?
A subject is considered “hard” differently for everyone. What one person finds difficult, another might find easy. It often depends on your strengths, learning style, and how interested you are in the subject. If you’re passionate or curious about it, you’re more likely to stay motivated and push through challenges, which can make it feel easier. On the other hand, a subject you don’t enjoy might feel much harder, even if it isn’t objectively difficult. Talk to your friends and teachers and family to help with these subject decisions.