What am I going to do – the big question about subject choices

This is the time of year learners as young as Grade 8 have to seriously reflect on their plans for the future in order to make the right subject choices.

This step is extremely important for both parents and children to enable them to plan for the future – for tertiary studies as well as for a career.

Experts believe that learners should be aware of what they would like to do or study after school, but they should also guard against limiting themselves through subject choices which may allow them only specialisation in one field.

“The first day at high school already affects a child’s future plans. Grade 10 learners who still do not know what they want to/can do, should research different careers, shadow in a workplace or attend open days at universities,” says Refiloe Seane, Director for Student Counselling at the University of the Free State’s Department Student Counselling and Development.

Mrs Seane also believes that parents should have more trust in their children during this stage when they have to reflect on their future and should not ‘put pressure’ on them to follow a specific direction/field of interest.

“Parents often try to ‘force’ their children in a specific direction because it might be a more attractive career. Parents can help their children by asking experts (like career advisors) for assistance.”

For interviews with Mrs Seane or tips on how parents can help their children in high school with their future plans, please contact the UFS’ media relations officer, Oteng Mpete, on +27 51 401 7747.