Page 55 - Education February 2024

How to choose matric subjects wisely:

Prof Zak Nel shares his views

enowned Counselling Psychologist Professor Zac Nel University algorithms at play
conducted a webinar for Education Incorporated’s Grade Universities have advanced algorithms that take a student’s marks at the
R9 students, who have to choose subjects going into end of Grade 11 and can predict with reasonable accuracy which degree
Grade 10. These will be the subjects they offer for their matric should be taken. But the important decision needs to be made at the end
exam at the end of the FET phase and will determine the of Grade 9. Your marks in Grade 11 should only be used to confirm your
tertiary options that are available to them. choice,” he added.

Prof. Nel, highly respected within education circles and who Getting into some of the details, Prof. Nel listed several key decision areas:
provides a comprehensive, research-based method of career • Major error number one: selecting physical science when you
counselling, spent time with students, who came away from shouldn’t have. Unlike in our parents’ day, this is no longer the be-all
the webinar armed with valuable insights into this key life and end-all subject.
decision. • Major error number two: choosing not to take biology/life sciences
when you should have.
Students today are better prepared for the future • Mathematics choices: there is an important distinction between pure
Prof Nel believes that students today are in a better position maths and maths literacy/business maths. He suggests: ‘Add your
to plan their careers than their parents had been. Modern Grade 9 English mark to your maths mark. If the total is less than 120,
research has revealed data that can accurately predict the select Maths Literacy. If greater than 120, pure maths would be a good
long-term effects that these choices are likely to have. Some of choice.
these details were presented in the webinar. • Regarding the physical science versus biology decision, Prof. Nel has
another guideline: ‘If a student’s total Grade 9 marks in English, maths,
When asked whether students aged between 14 and 16 are and science are less than 200, drop science and choose biology.’
mature enough to choose, he replied, ‘International studies
have shown that this is the ideal age bracket. It follows that, He concluded, ‘There are 133 different subjects that a South African
once you are in Grade 10, do not change your subjects. The student can potentially take for matric. Education Incorporated offers
time for experimentation is over.’ its students an excellent array of subjects, which should be of enormous
value as young people navigate Grade 9, with the key subject choice not
Teachers are wiser than you think too out of reach.”
But where to go for advice? The professor presented a range
of metrics that are useful but advised that students should The time to plan is now
spend time with their teachers who, at a premier school such Professor Nel’s valuable advice will be revealed in a future article. For now,
as Education Incorporated, are best positioned to provide Prof Nel’s message to parents and students is clear: Begin planning now to
relevant insights into their students’ abilities and aptitudes. make the key subject choices as the end of the academic year draws near.

“Psychometric testing, although useful, should not be used “Mathematics vs. maths lit – what to choose?”
as the primary tool. When all else fails, go with your instincts. Prof Nel recommends: ‘Add your Grade 9 English mark to your maths
What interests you? What are you good at? Consult your mark. If the total is less than 120, select Maths Literacy. If it is greater
teachers.” than 120, pure maths would be a good choice.’”