Key Takeaways: The “Gatekeeper” Year
- The Weight of Grade 9: The subjects you choose at the end of Grade 9 will determine what you can (and cannot) study at university three years later.
- The Big 4: You must take Home Language, First Additional Language, Life Orientation, and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
- The Golden Rule: Never choose a subject just because your best friend chose it, or because you like the teacher. Teachers change; your career path is forever.
- The “Designated” List: Universities require you to pass subjects from a specific list to get a Bachelors Pass.
- Maths vs. Math Lit: Pure Maths opens 90% of doors (Engineering, Science, Commerce). Math Literacy closes those doors but makes it easier to get a high Admission Point Score (APS) for courses like Law or Education.
Grade 9 is often called the “honeymoon” of high school. But come the third term, things get serious. You are handed a form that asks you to design your future.
For the first time in your life, you can drop the subjects you hate (goodbye, Creative Arts!). But with that freedom comes a terrifying responsibility. If you drop Physical Science now, you cannot wake up in Grade 12 and decide to become a Doctor. That door is closed.
Many students make choices based on what is “easy” or what their friends are doing, only to regret it when they look at a university prospectus in Matric.
Here is the definitive guide to navigating the South African subject choice system.
1. The Structure: What Do You Have to Take?
In the South African NSC (National Senior Certificate) system, you must take 7 Subjects. You cannot take fewer.
The Compulsory Core (4 Subjects)
No matter what stream you choose, these four are non-negotiable:
- Home Language: (e.g., English, IsiZulu, Afrikaans).
- First Additional Language: (e.g., Afrikaans, English, Sepedi).
- Life Orientation: (The “easy” subject, but vital for your average).
- Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy: You must choose one. (Technical Maths is a third option for technical schools).
The Electives (3 Subjects)
This is where you make your mark. You must choose three subjects from the list your school offers.
- Common options: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Accounting, Business Studies, History, Geography, Visual Arts, IT, CAT, Tourism, EGD.
2. The Great Debate: Pure Maths vs. Mathematical Literacy
This is the single most important decision you will make.
Pure Mathematics
- What is it? Abstract concepts, algebra, calculus, trigonometry. It teaches you how to solve complex problems.
- Who needs it? Anyone who wants to study Medicine, Engineering, Accounting, Science, Actuarial Science, or IT (Computer Science).
- The Reality: It is hard. It requires daily practice. But it is the “Golden Key” that opens almost every degree programme.
Mathematical Literacy
- What is it? Practical maths. Calculating tax, reading maps, working out interest on a loan.
- Who is it for? Students who want to study Law, Education, Humanities, Arts, Psychology, or Tourism.
- The Myth: “Math Lit is for dumb people.” FALSE. Math Lit is for people who do not need calculus for their career. Getting 80% in Math Lit is often better for your APS (Admission Point Score) than getting 30% in Pure Maths.
The Strategy:
Start with Pure Maths in Grade 10. If you are failing by June, you can switch to Math Lit. But you cannot start with Math Lit and switch up to Pure Maths later.
3. Physical Science: The “Package Deal”
Here is a rule that many students miss: You should not take Physical Science without Pure Maths.
- Why? Physics and Chemistry rely heavily on mathematical formulas. If you struggle with Maths, you will almost certainly fail Physical Science.
- Can I take Math Lit and Science? Most schools will not allow this combination. Even if they do, universities will not accept it for science degrees.
- The Alternative: If you want to work in healthcare but hate Physics/Maths, consider Life Sciences (Biology). You can study Nursing or Psychology with Life Sciences and Math Lit.
4. Subject Streams: Which One Fits You?
Instead of picking random subjects, think in “Streams.”
The STEM Stream (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)
- Subjects: Pure Maths, Physical Science, Life Sciences, IT/EGD.
- Careers: Doctor, Engineer, Architect, Software Developer, Scientist.
- Warning: This is the highest workload. Don’t pick this unless you are committed to working hard.
The Commerce Stream (Business)
- Subjects: Pure Maths (or Math Lit), Accounting, Business Studies, Economics.
- Careers: Chartered Accountant (Requires Pure Maths), Entrepreneur, HR Manager, Logistics.
- Note: You do not need Accounting at school to study Accounting at university, but it helps immensely. You do need Pure Maths for a BCom Accounting degree.
The Humanities / Legal Stream
- Subjects: History, Geography, Math Lit, Visual Arts, Drama.
- Careers: Lawyer, Journalist, Teacher, Psychologist, Designer, Politician.
- Strategy: This stream is about maximizing your APS. Pick subjects you love and can get distinctions in.
The Services / Technical Stream
- Subjects: Tourism, Consumer Studies, Hospitality, CAT.
- Careers: Chef, Hotel Manager, Admin Assistant, Artisan.
- Focus: Practical skills that make you employable immediately after school.
5. The “Designated Subject” Rule
If you want to go to university (Bachelor’s Pass), you cannot just pick “easy” subjects.
The 50% Rule:
To get a Bachelor’s Pass in Matric, you must pass at least 4 subjects with 50% or more. These subjects generally need to be from the “Designated List” (which includes Languages, Maths, Science, History, Business, Accounting, Visual Arts, etc.).
CAT vs. IT:
- IT (Information Technology): Needs Pure Maths. It is coding and software development. Hard but rewarding.
- CAT (Computer Applications Technology): Needs Math Lit. It is Word, Excel, and Office Admin. Practical and useful for everyone.
6. How to Reverse-Engineer Your Career
Don’t look at the subjects; look at the job. Work backward from your dream career.
“I want to be a Doctor.”
- Required: Pure Maths, Physical Science, Life Sciences. (High Marks).
“I want to be a Chartered Accountant.”
- Required: Pure Maths. (Accounting is recommended but not compulsory).
“I want to be a Lawyer.”
- Required: None specifically! History helps with essay writing. Math Lit is perfectly fine. You need high English marks.
“I want to be an Architect.”
- Required: Pure Maths. (Physical Science is often required). EGD (Engineering Graphics & Design) or Visual Arts helps with the portfolio.
“I want to be a Teacher.”
- Required: Depends on what you want to teach. If you want to teach High School Science, you need Science.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Choosing subjects because of a teacher.
You might love Mr. Dlamini’s Grade 9 History class. But Mr. Dlamini might leave next year, or you might get Mrs. Smith for Grade 10. Never base your future on a temporary relationship.
Mistake 2: Following your friends.
Your best friend wants to do Tourism. You want to do Engineering. If you take Tourism to be in their class, you are sacrificing your engineering dream. You will see your friends at break time.
Mistake 3: Thinking “I’ll just upgrade later.”
Yes, you can upgrade your Matric results after school, but it takes a whole year and costs money. It is much cheaper and faster to get it right the first time.
Mistake 4: Dropping History/Geography because “it’s too much reading.”
All university degrees require reading. If you are lazy to read in Grade 10, you are not ready for a degree. These subjects teach critical thinking.
8. The Action Plan for Grade 9s
Step 1: Check the University Prospectus
Go to the website of a university (like UCT, Wits, or UP) and download their Undergraduate Prospectus. Look at the requirements for the degrees you like. You will be shocked to see exactly what they ask for.
Step 2: Be Honest About Your Maths
Look at your Grade 9 Term 2 Maths mark.
- Below 40%? Seriously consider Math Lit. Pure Maths gets much harder in Grade 10.
- 40% – 60%? You can do Pure Maths, but you will need a tutor and hard work.
- 60% +? Definitely take Pure Maths.
Step 3: Talk to the Grade 10s
Ask the current Grade 10s about the workload. Ask them: “Is Accounting really that hard?” or “How much homework is Science?” Get the real story.
Summary: Don’t Close Doors
The best subject choice is a Balanced Choice.
If you aren’t sure what you want to be yet (which is normal!), keep your options open. Taking Pure Maths and Physical Science keeps the most doors open. You can always drop them later, but picking them up later is impossible.
Final Advice: Choose subjects you enjoy. You are going to spend the next three years studying them every day. If you hate Accounting now, you will hate it even more in Grade 12. Passion produces marks.
Disclaimer: Requirements vary by university. Always consult the specific faculty yearbook for the institution you wish to apply to.