Grade 9 subject selection sets the tone for Grades 10–12 and life after school. This guide keeps it simple: understand the rules, map choices to real options (university, college, work-ready), and choose a package your child can succeed in.
Quick facts (read this first)
NSC (CAPS & IEB): In Grades 10–12, learners take 7 subjects:
4 compulsory, Home Language, Additional Language, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation — plus 3 electives from the school’s list.Cambridge: Typically IGCSE in Grades 9–10 and AS/A-Level in Grades 11–12. Subject combos must line up with future study plans (SA and international admissions treat them differently).
University entry: Degrees often require specific subjects and minimum marks (e.g., Pure Mathematics for Engineering/Actuarial; Physical Sciences for most STEM; Life Sciences for many health pathways; Accounting for BCom Accounting at some institutions). Requirements vary by institution; always check.
Keep doors open: If your child can realistically manage it, Pure Mathematics + a science keeps the broadest set of options open in Grade 12.
The step-by-step plan
1) Clarify goals (20 minutes)
Talk about interests your child returns to again and again—people, numbers, design, systems, health, nature, business, stories, making. You’re mapping themes, not final careers.
2) Take a reality check (marks + working style)
Look at the past three terms (and teacher comments). Where are they consistently ≥60–70%? Which subjects do they avoid or love? Note workload stamina, reading speed, and test anxiety—these matter as much as interest.
3) Know the rules at your school
Get the subject booklet: compulsory subjects, elective blocks (to avoid timetable clashes), and any entry thresholds (e.g., ≥60% in Grade 9 Maths for Physical Sciences).
4) Research prerequisites (don’t skip)
Open 3–5 target programmes on university/college sites and note required subjects + minimum marks. If your child is undecided, keep Mathematics and at least one lab/technical subject if they can manage it.
5) Build 2–3 “draft packages”
Create A/B/C combinations using your school’s blocks. Stress-test each against prerequisites and workload.
6) Sense-check with teachers/counsellor
Ask: “With my current marks and habits, where will I succeed and keep options open?” Good teachers will be frank about stamina, gaps, and support.
7) Decide on Maths vs Maths Lit (see guide below)
Choose deliberately, with data. If in doubt and the school permits, start Grade 10 with Pure Maths and review after Term 1.
8) Confirm clashes & commitments
Sports, cultural obligations, transport, and aftercare matter. A great package on paper fails if it’s logistically impossible.
9) Put support in place
Extra lessons, past-paper practice, reading plans (for languages), and a weekly study timetable. Capture these before the year starts.
10) Submit and diarise
Meet the school deadline; add a review checkpoint after Term 1 of Grade 10.
Smart subject packages (examples)
Use your school’s block structure. These packages are guides—adapt to availability.
A) Engineering & Technology (broad STEM)
Compulsory: Home Language, Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation
Electives: Physical Sciences, IT or CAT, Engineering Graphics & Design (or Accounting for an industry/management slant)
B) Health & Biosciences
Compulsory: HL, AL, Mathematics, LO
Electives: Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Geography (or Consumer Studies for nutrition/OT interest)
C) Commerce & Law
Compulsory: HL, AL, Mathematics (or Maths Lit for some business pathways), LO
Electives: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics (swap one for IT if data/analytics appeals)
D) Humanities, Social Sciences & Education
Compulsory: HL, AL, Mathematics or Maths Lit, LO
Electives: History, Geography, Tourism/Life Sciences/Visual Arts (depending on interests)
E) Creative, Media & Design
Compulsory: HL, AL, Mathematics or Maths Lit, LO
Electives: Visual Arts/Design/Dramatic Arts, IT/CAT (for digital tools), Business Studies (for freelancing/entrepreneurship)
F) Work-ready / Technical orientation
Compulsory: HL, AL, Maths Lit (or Maths if strong), LO
Electives: Tourism, Consumer Studies, EGD, Hospitality Studies, Mechanical/ Electrical Tech (if offered)
Maths vs Mathematical Literacy (how to choose)
Pure Mathematics keeps doors open for STEM degrees (Engineering, Computer Science, many Commerce majors, some Health programmes).
Mathematical Literacy is powerful for everyday reasoning and many humanities, arts, education, business paths.
Choose Pure Maths if (a) Grade 9 average is ≥60–65%, (b) the learner can manage abstract problem-solving, (c) they’re considering STEM or data-heavy commerce.
Choose Maths Lit if (a) consistent <50–55% with high effort, (b) intense anxiety around algebra/geometry, (c) chosen post-school routes do not require Pure Maths.
Reality check: Moving from Lit → Maths later is hard. Moving from Maths → Lit is usually possible (confirm school policy).
Languages matter more than you think
Home Language drives comprehension in every subject and influences admission scoring.
Additional Language choices affect university language requirements and future work contexts.
For Cambridge learners, plan first-language vs second-language pathways early to match SA admissions expectations.
Common pitfalls (and easy fixes)
Choosing for friends → Build the package around your child, then see which friends align.
Dropping Pure Maths too early → Try a support plan in Term 1 of Grade 10 before switching.
Ignoring subject caps/blocks → Use the school’s matrix to avoid impossible combos.
Underestimating reading load → History, Life Sciences and Languages require sustained reading; plan for it.
No plan for practicals → Art, Drama, EGD, Sciences add time after school—budget hours.
Timeline for Grade 9
Term 1: Explore interests; start a marks tracker; attend info evening.
Term 2: Shortlist 2–3 packages; check university prerequisites; speak to teachers.
Term 3: Subject expo; confirm blocks; decide on Maths vs Maths Lit; arrange extra-lesson trial if needed.
Term 4: Final selection and submissions; set up 2026 support (timetable, resources, tutor slots).
Conversation cheat-sheet (parent ↔ learner)
“What subjects make you lose track of time?”
“Which topics feel ‘hard but satisfying’?”
“If you had to keep doors open for two years, which subjects buy us the most options?”
“What help would make Pure Maths/Sciences workable?”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we change subjects in Grade 10?
Often yes, early in the year and within timetable limits. Schools set deadlines; some changes require catching up assessments.
Does every BCom need Pure Maths?
Many BCom majors do; some business/management diplomas don’t. Read the specific programme page.
Is IT required for Computer Science?
Not always, but Pure Maths with strong marks is usually essential. IT helps with readiness.
What about TVET and private colleges?
Great routes for technical trades, hospitality, design, and business. Subject requirements differ—check each provider.
Printable checklist (copy/paste)
I understand my school’s compulsory subjects and elective blocks
We’ve checked three programmes and noted prerequisites
We built two or three viable packages
The decision on Pure Maths vs Maths Lit is evidence-based
We’ve asked teachers for fit + workload feedback
No timetable clashes/transport conflicts
Support plan set (extra lessons, reading, past papers)
Selection submitted + review date booked (Term 1, Grade 10)