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Call us on 0800 222 733Step-by-step guide to choosing school subjects
This guide will help you choose which subjects to take in your next school year.
Step 1: Work out what subjects you enjoy
- What you enjoy doing outside school can help you choose what subjects to take
Ask yourself:
- Which subjects do I like doing now?
- Which subjects am I interested in doing next year, that I haven’t already studied?
- What do I like doing outside school (eg playing music, helping people, thinking creatively)? Do any subjects include these activities?
Step 2: Work out what subjects you are good at
Ask yourself:
- Which subjects am I strongest in?
- What subjects do others say I am good at?
Step 3: Find out what subjects you need for your future career ideas
Already have some career ideas?
Find out the must-have or most useful subjects for each of your career ideas. Go to ‘Secondary education’ in the ‘How to get into this job’ section of any job you are interested in.
Need some career ideas?
Use these tools to get career ideas:
- Subject Matcher - get job ideas based on subjects you enjoy
- Jobs by Interest - find out what jobs relate to areas of work you are interested in
- CareerQuest - get job ideas based on your interests
- Skill Matcher - get job ideas based on your skills
Still unsure what career would suit you?
Remember, it’s OK if you're unsure what you want to do in future, but studying a broad range of subjects will keep your career options open.
Keeping up with English, maths and at least one science subject is a good place to start.
“I chose science and computer studies because I’m hoping to become an information systems officer in the Army. But if I don’t do that, I know computing will help with lots of other jobs. That’s why you pick subjects – to help enhance your future, not just because your friends are taking them."
Andrew Purvis, Student
Checklist
- Talking to family can help you work out your subject choices
Have you:
- checked your subjects are approved for University Entrance, if you plan to go to university – (NZQA website - approved subjects)
- talked over your choices with your parents and whānau?
- talked to your teachers and careers advisers?
- talked to Careers New Zealand advisers if you need more help? Call 0800 222 733 or chat online.