From Careers Pathways
Choosing Senior Subjects
Choosing senior subjects is an exciting time- you've finally got control over what you study and how you spend (some of) your time.
Many students feel the pressure to make the 'right' choice, and with such a large number of things to consider, the process can become overwhelming.
This process is the first significant chance young people have to exercise control over their pathways, and it marks a major milestone in their transition to senior school.
I would suggest start by asking the following questions of your young person:
- What do you enjoy?
- What motivates you?
- What are you interested in?
Students will enter a challenging workforce and will need more than just academic skills to keep up.
Prerequisites are still a factor, as is the selection of subjects for ATAR. Each year, the number of students who use their ATAR alone to get into university goes down - more and more students are finding pathways to university, not just their ATAR. Other activities, such as team sport, part time work, or community service will be as important as their ATAR, and students should consider their decisions in context with the range of activities they will need to undertake in Year 11 and 12 to prepare to leave school.
Students change. The average Year 10 student is 15 years old. A lot can happen between subject selection and leaving school, and there is a fair chance that students will change their mind to some extent. Pursuing things, they are passionate about will drive them forward. Recent surveys have shown us that students are more motivated and do better when they are following their passions. When students feel more passionate about the subject they put more effort in, spend more time on it, pay more attention in class, get better marks, are more resilient and even go beyond what their teachers ask of them.
While we cannot expect 15 year old's to have the level of career maturity required to rationally and logically assess all their options, we can help them select subjects they will find engaging, and which will help them get off on the right foot.
