Along with mandatory subjects, most schools offer electives in Years 9 and/or 10. In Years 11 and 12, English is the only mandatory subject. Students choose other courses to fulfil a pattern of study for the HSC.
Year 9 and 10 subject selection
Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10) electives offered depend on student interest as well as the expertise and resources available at the school. Students in Years 9 and/or 10 may be offered 100 hour (1 year) and 200 hour (2 year) courses. Schools generally produce subject selection booklets which provide an overview and requirements of courses offered. Many schools also hold information evenings or sessions where you can ask questions of faculty experts.
When selecting electives for Stage 5, students should pick subjects they enjoy and are interested in, rather than being concerned about future career options. Some schools may offer vocational education and training (VET) courses in Years 9 and 10 to assist students in their transition from school to work.
Choosing subjects for the HSC
In Year 10, students choose the subjects they will study in the HSC. Many Year 10 students don’t know what they want to do when they finish school – to them, it’s too far away. Sometimes it’s better to focus on choosing subjects for the HSC rather than focusing on what they will do after the HSC. The most important thing is to keep their minds, and options, open.
Some questions to ask:
Which subjects do you enjoy?
Which subjects do you do best in?
What sorts of jobs use the knowledge or skills taught in these subjects?
What do you enjoy doing outside of school?
What sorts of jobs and/or further study are interested in?
Students may have had an opportunity to participate in work experience which can help them decide what they may like and what they know they don’t want to do.
Many universities have open days and careers expos – attend if you can. University websites also are a good source of information for undergraduates and their parents.
Choose a range of courses
Encourage your child to choose courses that allow a variety of options – both those that provide eligibility for an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) and those they will enjoy and do well in. Students usually achieve better results in subjects they like. A variety of vocational education and training courses are offered in Years 11 and 12.
It’s also important to understand the requirements of each course – such as whether a ‘major work’ or performance will be required. Performances and major works take a lot of preparation over months. Is your child likely to leave it to the last minute?
Students can be eligible for the HSC but that doesn’t mean they are automatically eligible for university entry via an ATAR. Carefully check course selection with the careers adviser to make sure your child is eligible for an ATAR if they are considering attending university.
No subject will automatically improve an ATAR. Don’t pick a course that is too hard or too easy. Courses should be chosen based on interests and ability, as well as plans for after school. Some university courses have prerequisites and/or assumed knowledge. Visit the Universities Admission Centre for more information on requirements for participating institutions.
For more information on choosing subjects for the HSC, visit Information for Year 10 students.