Guiding your Child through Subject Selection

Choosing your school subjects can feel like a huge decision, but don’t worry, there’s lots of support available to help you figure it out! Here’s how to get started:

1.  Explore Your Options Online Check out the WSCW Careers Hub, especially the “School Subjects” section. The NZ University Subject Guides show you which Year 13 subjects are recommended (useful) or required (needed for entry) for different university programs.
2. Talk!  Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Chat with your family, people who are working in jobs you find interesting, and even senior students who have been through this before. Most importantly, talk to your teachers! If you went to the Matariki Pathways and Subject Choices Expo, you’ve probably already spoken to some subject teachers and heads of departments.
3. Take a Career Quiz   Try the free Bullseye Future Assessment Pathway quiz on Career Central (you can log in through the WSC Careers Hub). It only takes about 15-20 minutes and can give you a good idea of possible career paths, and deep job research will definitely help with choosing your subjects.
4.  Think About Transferable Skills in subjects. For example, subjects like drama, business studies, dance, music, or sports are great for developing skills such as communication and teamwork. Even if a subject isn’t required for a specific course, these skills are valuable for any career path.
5. Get Some Work Experience If you’re in Year 12 or 13, Gateway can give you some real-world work experience. Volunteering also provides you with a non-paid pathway to gain work skills.
6. Get Personalised Guidance While picking subjects you enjoy is important, getting good advice for your future pathway is just as crucial. So, if you’re feeling stuck, have a chat with a Head of House or someone from the Careers Department at careers@wsc.school.nz. We are here to help!

Extra advice  Here are a few courses with specific subject requirements

Medicine – all 3 sciences in Year 12 with adv maths, Year 13 senior sciences

Engineering– L2 Adv Maths and Physics then L3 Calculus and Physics 

Veterinary Science (Vet at Massey Uni)  –  recommend a good background in sciences and maths. 14 to 20 credits of NCEA Level 3 chemistry and biology, and 14 to 20 credits in Level 2 maths and/or physics. You also need to do work 40 hours experience or observation time in a veterinary clinic before the pre-selection semester

Bachelor Health Science UOA – Minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in one of English, Geography, History, Classical Studies, History of Art, Te Reo Māori (or Te Reo Rangatira) or Social Studies and a minimum of 18 credits at Level 3 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.