STAYING ON THE RIGHT COURSE
MATHS, English and science are the best subjects that high school students should select to pursue any career path.
With students already starting to select senior school subjects for next year, careers counsellors say the key is to leave open as many options for post-school study as possible.
John Paul College head of careers and pathways Steven Cuthbert says students who have already decided on a future career path should look at courses within that field that have the most stringent entry requirements and pick school subjects that meet them. He says maths and science are generally the only school subjects required for degrees with a prerequisite, but believes adding an English unit provides for a wellrounded education. “If you’re going to do science, then my favourite pick is chemistry — just because of the number of times I see it (listed) as a (university) prerequisite,’’ Cuthbert says.
“If you do English, and Maths B, which is a mid-range maths course, and chemistry — those three options give you lots of options (for postschool study).’’
Cuthbert says he shows a pie chart diagram to students considering what to study in their final years of school, advising them half the pie consist of maths, science and English and the remainder be made up of “what you are good at and what you like to do’’.
High school careers counsellor Monica Magann agrees maths and English — and, to a lesser extent, science — will put students in good stead, regardless of their career path.
“If a student was considering dumping a subject like English or maths altogether, I would encourage them to drop down a level and take a less difficult (English or maths subject) rather than give it up altogether.’’
Magann believes science should also be picked if it is needed for post-school study or if a student enjoys it, but warns it can be risky to choose a subject that is not enjoyed.
“It’s not the end of the world (if you don’t study a particular subject at school) but you just have to realise that if you sacrifice any of the biggies (such as maths or science) then you may have to do a bridging course later on (if you change career paths).”
Year 10 student Madison Watson will study English, maths, chemistry, legal studies, design and accounting next year. Watson, 15, says she has chosen some subjects to further her dreams of becoming a lawyer or an occupational therapist, while she chose others for the life skills she will gain.
“Accounting will teach me life lessons for when I’m older,’’ she says.