Subject choices and careers
Subject choices at the end of Grade 9, careers, qualifications and skills. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
Words about work
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Career | The path of work followed over years |
| Career field | A group of related careers that need similar interests, abilities and subjects |
| Profession | Work that needs special training and a qualification |
| Qualification | Proof that you completed a course of study |
| Apprenticeship | You work while you learn |
| CV | A summary of your education and experience |
| Entrepreneur | Runs their own business: own decisions, but uncertain income |
| Lifelong learning | Continuing to learn after school |
An interest is what you enjoy; an ability is what you can do.
Research and preparing
- Career research and talking to people in the job show what the work really involves. A career expo brings colleges and employers together.
- Consider more than one option: plans change and technology changes work quickly.
- Prepare now: work hard, read widely and volunteer.
- Working with animals: Life Sciences and Mathematics; a veterinary nurse uses a stethoscope, thermometer and bandages. Uniforms are for safety, hygiene and recognition.
Career fields
| Career field | Examples | Useful school subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Health and medicine | Doctor, nurse, pharmacist | Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics |
| Engineering and technology | Engineer, electrician | Mathematics, Physical Sciences |
| Business and finance | Accountant, entrepreneur | Mathematics, Accounting, Business Studies |
| Arts, media and design | Graphic designer, journalist | Visual Arts, Languages |
| Agriculture and environment | Farmer, game ranger | Agricultural Sciences, Life Sciences, Geography |
For each career field, know the qualities needed, the work environment, the opportunities and challenges, and how long you must study.
Remember this and test yourself
- Subjects for Grades 10–12 (FET phase) are chosen at the end of Grade 9.
- Choose by your interests, abilities and career plans; it decides which careers stay open.
- Engineering: Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Accountant: Mathematics is required; Accounting at school is a big help.
- Mathematics (not Mathematical Literacy) is required for technical careers.
- Soft skills such as communication and teamwork are needed in almost every career.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Grade 9 subject choice is the points on the track: it decides which stations (careers) stay open.
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Subject choices and careers- Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
- The ticks (“I know this”) are saved on this device only. We never ask for names or emails.
Follows CAPS for Grade 7 Life Orientation. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.