Top Tips For Choosing The Right Subjects in High School

By Kim Norton

Choosing the right subjects can be overwhelming especially if your teen has no idea what career path they want to follow. Successful subject selection is based on an individual’s self-perception which involves considering how interests, skills, abilities, values and goals can influence career decision-making. Understanding what these are and how other influences such as family, peers, and society affect subject selection choices is the first place to start.

Apart from their school career counselling services and private professionals like myself, there are various resources to help your teen learn more about themselves; about what influences them and how, and of their world of work in general. “MyFuture” is an online resource that explores career pathways and provides tools to develop self-knowledge to help with career decision-making. Here, your teen can create a career profile that outlines their interests, skills, abilities and values and matches these to suggested occupations. You will need to create a free account to access these resources. Visit: www.myfuture.edu.au

Here are some practical tips to help your teen in their decision-making process. Have them read the following and then discuss the answers with you.

1. Identify Your Interests and Values

• Examine School Subjects: Think about which subjects you look forward to the most. Which subject makes your heart flutter or your stomach drop? Are you passionate about human rights or the environment? If so, a career in advocacy or disability support, or environmental sciences might interest you.

• Explore Hobbies and Extracurriculars: Your hobbies and extracurricular activities can provide clues about which subjects might interest you. If you love being outdoors and playing sport, then a Sports and Recreation course might interest you.

2. Assess Your Skills and Abilities

• Review Past Performance: Look at your grades and get feedback from your teachers. Which subjects did you excel in? Which subject did you struggle with? Do you need that subject for your desired career path or further study?

• Skills, abilities and Talents: Match your current skills and abilities with your subject selection. If you are not proficient at maths, do you need to do this in year 11? Is there another subject better aligned with your strengths that can still help you meet your career goals?

3. Plan for the Future – What are your Initial Goals?

• Research Career Paths: If you have a particular career in mind, research the subjects required or recommended for that field. Ensure these align with your skills, interests and abilities.

• Plan for Further Education: What subjects are required for entry to your desired TAFE or university course?

Be prepared to adjust your choices if you discover new interests or decide on a different career path. The goal you had at the start of year 10 might be very different to the one you have at the commencement of year 11, and that is ok.

4. Consult with Advisors and Mentors

• Talk to Teachers and Counsellors: They can offer guidance based on your academic performance, skills, abilities, values and interests, and help to match these with different career options.

• Seek Advice from Family/Friends/Peers: Discuss your options with those who know you well and can provide additional perspectives but, be aware of the pressure that can be felt from these influences and how that can affect your decision-making.

5. Consider Workload and Balance

• Manageable Workload: Choose a combination of challenging and less demanding subjects to avoid stress and anxiety.

• Balance Your Schedule: Ensure that your chosen subjects fit well with your overall schedule, allowing time for study, extracurricular activities, relaxation and any work commitments. Select a mix of subjects that cover your interests while meeting further study/employment requirements.

6. Understand the Subject Content

• Review Course Content: Look at the course outline to understand what each subject involves and decide if it aligns with your interests, abilities, values and goals.

• Speak with Current Students: If possible, talk to students currently taking the subjects you’re considering to get their perspective on what to expect.

7. Use Available Resources

• Career Counselling Services: Utilise school career counselling services and/or qualified private career counsellors like myself to get personalised advice, vocational assessment interpretations, assistance with interview and resume prep, employment and further study applications and access to general resources.

• Online Tools and Quizzes: As mentioned, use online tools or quizzes that help you assess your interests and strengths, which can provide additional guidance.

Aligning subject selection with interests, skills, abilities, values and goals will help to ensure a more enjoyable high school experience and set your teen on a successful career path. Having a strong sense of self and of their world of work will help them make informed decisions about their high school subjects and in turn, help them to achieve their academic and personal goals.

Kim is a Career Development Practitioner and Counsellor working with people of all abilities and ages under the NDIS and in private practice. Kim provides a unique, intuitive, and individualised approach through individual, small group, and family counselling sessions online, on-site and from her studio in Langwarrin. www.kimmarienorton.com.au