Subject Choices

To build the right foundations for your future you need to make good subject choices throughout your secondary school. This tool will help you with those confusing choices.

Goals are dreams with plans attached!

This tool will help you think about future goals and dreams, and plan your options in a flexible way – you may change or adapt these as you discover more about what you like and what you are good at.

Your task is to think about these ideas as you go through:

  • What kind of person am I?
  • What are my strengths and abilities?
  • What am I interested in?

This tool will help you with suggestions.

What makes it easier is that the areas we are attracted to and interested in are usually our areas of strengths, abilities, and where we are motivated and achieve.

It comes as a package!

Subject Choices
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What kind of person are you?

Select a button/buttons to work through these areas and see what fits you best.

Practical

Practical
  • Hands on
  • Has physical or mechanical abilities
  • Likes the outdoors

Curious

Curious
  • Analytical
  • A knowledge seeker
  • Likes problem solving

Creative

Creative
  • Artistic
  • Imaginative
  • Likes original tasks

People Oriented

People Oriented
  • Social
  • A helper
  • Enjoys teamwork

Enterprising

Enterprising
  • A leader
  • Influences others
  • Likes business tasks

Detailed

Detailed
  • Accurate
  • Organised
  • Likes working with numbers
Subjects selected 0
Practical Curious Creative People Oriented Enterprising Detailed

PRACTICAL - Is this you?

  • You enjoy real activities, practical tasks
  • You like sports, the outdoors, hands-on activities
  • You like learning by real experiences, doing things rather than just the theory, watching and practising tasks
  • You do well in subjects that are practical and hands on, you have strengths and abilities in these
  • You like assessment tasks where you can be active, demonstrate or make something

Practical - Hints

If you are practical and:
  • Interested in developing technical skills (for trades or armed forces) you need Mathematics, Science, and also look at Construction and Mechanical Technologies, and Physics
  • Interested in sports or health sciences, add Physical Education, and Health
  • Interested in the environment, the land or biosecurity, you need Mathematics, Science, and also look at Geography, Biology, and Agricultural and Horticultural Science
  • Prefer writing about real things, choose Geography as a writing subject.
If you are practical and have creative interests:
  • Check out Food, Fabric and Fashion Technologies; or Product Design and Digital Technologies
If you are practical and have people, food or service interests (you might be interested later in retail, childcare, caregiving, police, hospitality and tourism):
  • Check out Languages, Social Studies, Hospitality, Human Biology, Food Technology, and Early Childhood Education

Take opportunities at school to become a confident communicator and learn about customer service.

Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages is an employment asset in many people industries.

PRACTICAL

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


EnglishMathematicsSciencePhysicsEngineeringDigital Technologies
Processing TechnologiesProduct Design Construction and Mechanical Technologies Design and Visual CommunicationFashion TechnologyFood Technology
Fabrics TechnologyHospitalityHealthPhysical EducationGeographyGateway

Senior subjects

CalculusStatisticsOutdoor EducationSports LeadershipRobotics Mechanical Engineering

SUBJECTS for interest, writing and balance: Social Studies, Human Biology, Early Childhood Education, Business Studies, and Economics depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subject with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Engineering Engineering Technologies Creative TechnologiesExercise Science and Nutrition / Sports and Recreation / Outdoor EducationTourismHospitality Science

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

Trades – Building and Construction, Mechanical, EngineeringArmed ForcesPolice, Fire Services, Prison ServicesSecurityTransport and Distribution, Driving
ManufacturingAviationInfrastructure, Heavy Equipment OperationsHorticulture and ViticultureBakingButchery

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • It’s only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed. Look ahead now to explore likely interest areas.
  • You will notice that most training or degrees cover a range of options, getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you haven’t understood what the words mean.

CURIOUS - Is this you?

  • You enjoy knowledge and learning
  • You like gathering information, dealing with theories or numbers, solving problems
  • You do well in science and maths, and you like learning by investigation
  • You prefer to deal with facts, use calculations
  • You prefer answers in assessments that are formula based (not opinions) and clear cut

Curious - Hints

If you are curious and:
  • Interested in following a health science pathway, add Biology
  • Aiming to study engineering at university, look at options for Chemistry, Physics, Digital Technologies, and Calculus
  • Interested in computer sciences or business information systems, include Mathematics, Digital Technologies, Physics, and Calculus
  • Interested in finance or business, include Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics later
  • Also creative – look at Digital Technologies, Design and Visual Communication, and Product Design
  • Also practical – explore technologies, like Product Design, Construction and Mechanical Technologies, and Earth and Space Science
  • You might prefer writing subjects like Geography, History, and Economics
If you are curious and prefer to listen rather than talk:
  • Take opportunities at school to become a more confident communicator as everybody needs this skill
  • Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages are an employment asset in many industries.

CURIOUS

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


EnglishMathematicsScienceChemistryPhysicsBiology
Digital TechnologiesDesign and Visual CommunicationConstruction and Mechanical TechnologiesProcessing TechnologiesGateway

Senior subjects

Earth and Space ScienceCalculusStatisticsRoboticsDigital Studies Computer Studies

SUBJECTS for interest, writing and balance: History, Geography, Business Studies, and Economics, depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subjects with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Architecture Business Information Systems / EconomicsComputer and Information Sciences Mathematical Sciences EngineeringEngineering Technologies Creative Technologies Exercise Science / Nutrition Food ScienceMedical Laboratory Science Health Sciences Midwifery Nursing Occupational Therapy Oral Health Physiotherapy Podiatry

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

MedicineDentistryWine ScienceForensic ScienceVeterinary Science
ZoologyAviationResearchEducation

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • Its only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed.
  • You will notice that most degrees cover a range of options - getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you don’t understand what the words mean.

CREATIVE – Is this you?

  • You enjoy creating or designing things, performing or expressing yourself
  • You like new or innovative ideas
  • You do well in the subjects where you can be original and use your imagination
  • You like subjects or activities related to design, theatre, music, film performance or writing
  • You prefer assessments where you can do a creative project

Creative - Hints

If you are creative and:
  • Interested in performance areas, look at Music, Dance, and Drama
  • Interested in art and design, look at Visual Arts, Design and Visual Communication, Product Design, Fashion Technology, and Classical Studies
  • Interested in computers, look at Mathematics, Physics, Digital Technologies, and Design and Visual Communication, and Statistics later
  • Also practical – explore Design and Visual Communication, Digital Technologies, Product Design, Photography, and other technologies
  • Like writing – look at Media Studies, History
If you are creative and enjoy performing:
  • Take opportunities at school to do this and become a more confident communicator as everybody needs this skill
  • Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages are an employment asset in many industries.

CREATIVE

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


EnglishMathematicsScienceDanceDramaVisual Arts
Design and Visual CommunicationDigital Technologies Fashion Technology Food Technology Media Studies
Product DesignClassical StudiesHistoryGateway

Senior subjects

PaintingSculptureDesignDancePhotographyArt HistoryJournalismDigital Art

SUBJECTS for interest, writing and balance: Geography, Business Studies, Social Studies and languages depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subject with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Architecture Advertising / Journalism / Public Relations / Radio, Television, and Screen ProductionDesign / Photography Visual Arts / Arts Management Creative Technologies Māori Media and Communications

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

Music Industry: Performance and ProductionLighting and Sound ProductionArchitecture
Education - teaching at all levelsInterior DesignMāori Arts and Performance Pasifika Arts

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • It’s only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed. Look ahead now to explore likely interest areas.
  • You will notice that most training or degrees cover a range of options, getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you haven’t understood what the words mean.

PEOPLE ORIENTED – Is this you?

  • You enjoy people and helping others
  • You like languages, or learning about people, their cultures and their behaviours
  • You like subjects where you can express opinions and ideas, and work with others
  • You like talking, writing and explaining
  • You prefer assessment tasks where you can give your views and ideas on interesting topics

People Oriented - Hints

If you are people oriented and:
  • Interested in languages, communication and cultures; look at Social Studies, History, Languages, English, Geography, Te Reo Māori, and Media Studies
  • Interested in sports and recreation – look at Physical Education, and Health
  • Also curious – keep Mathematics, Sciences, and Biology for health-related future options like nursing or health sciences. Psychology could be a useful subject for the future too
If you are also practical or service oriented (you might be interested later in retail, social services, childcare, caregiving, police, hospitality and tourism):
  • Check out Languages, Early Childhood Education, Social Studies, Hospitality and Tourism, Human Biology, Food Technology, and Business Studies
  • Also creative – look at Drama, Dance, Art, Music, Media Studies, and Business Studies for arts management later
If you are people-oriented and enjoy talking to others:
  • Take opportunities at school to become a more confident communicator as everybody needs this skill
  • Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages are an employment asset in many industries.

PEOPLE ORIENTED

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


EnglishMathematicsScienceBiologyDramaTe Reo Māori
Te Reo RangatiraChineseFrenchJapaneseSamoanSocial Studies
Media StudiesHospitalityHistoryGeographyPhysical EducationHealth Studies
Human Biology Early Childhood Education Gateway

Senior subjects

StatisticsCalculusArt HistoryEconomicsClassical StudiesKorean

SUBJECTS for interest and balance: Business Studies, Design and Visual Communication, Dance, and Technology, depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subject with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Teaching and specialty teaching Event Management / HospitalityTourism Health Sciences Midwifery Nursing Occupational Therapy Oral Health Physiotherapy Podiatry Languages / Social Sciences and Public Policy Management Sport and Recreation Māori Media & Communications

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

Customer Service in all industriesCall CentresCareers and Employment ServicesCaregivingGovernment Services
Retail and Sales Personal Services Social and Community ServicesSocial Work

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • It’s only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed. Look ahead now to explore likely interest areas.
  • You will notice that most training or degrees cover a range of options, getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you haven’t understood what the words mean.

ENTERPRISING – Is this you?

  • You enjoy leadership, taking charge and influencing others
  • You like business-oriented subjects, are good with numbers
  • You like subjects where you can see how the work applies to the real world
  • You prefer facts to opinions
  • You prefer assessment tasks where you can report information briefly and clearly

Enterprising - Hints

If you are enterprising and:
  • Keen to join the business world – look at Business Studies, Economics and Accounting
  • Interested in law – look at History, English or Drama for written and oral communication
  • Interested in finance and banking – look at Business Studies, Economics, Accounting, Mathematics and Digital Technologies
  • Also people-oriented (you might be interested later in management and leadership), look at Business Studies, Languages, History, or Economics
  • Add to your writing skills with History, and Geography
  • Continue with Mathematics, adding Statistics later
If you are enterprising and good at public speaking:
  • Take leadership opportunities at school to become a more confident communicator
  • Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages are an employment asset in many industries.

ENTERPRISING

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


MathematicsScienceEnglishBusiness StudiesEconomics
HistoryAccounting Chinese French
MāoriJapaneseSamoanGateway

Senior subjects

CalculusStatisticsDigital Studies

SUBJECTS for interest, writing and balance: Geography, Social Studies, Biology, and Sciences depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subjects with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Advertising Accounting / Business Information Systems / Economics / Entrepreneurship and Innovation / Finance / Management / Human Resource Management / International Management / Marketing / Retailing and Sales Hospitality / Event Management Tourism Management Law and Legal Studies Iwi Management and Communications

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

BankingRecruitmentRetailReal EstatePropertyManagement

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • It’s only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed. Look ahead now to explore likely interest areas.
  • You will notice that most training or degrees cover a range of options, getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you haven’t understood what the words mean.

DETAILED – Is this you?

  • You enjoy organising, and working with numbers and data
  • You like real-world subjects and information technology
  • You like subjects where accuracy and precision are required
  • You prefer facts to opinions, and numbers to ideas
  • You prefer assessment tasks where there are precise tasks and answers

Detailed - Hints

If you are detailed and:
  • Keen to join the business world or work in administration or information systems roles in the future, look at Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, and Digital Technologies
  • Interested in legal work – look at History, and Digital Technologies
  • Interested in travel and tourism – look at Accounting, Business Studies, and Languages
  • Interested in finance and banking – Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics. Add Mathematics and Statistics later
  • Interested in information systems and technology – include Digital Technologies
  • Might like working in hospitality management in the future – look at Accounting, Business Studies, Languages, and Digital Technologies
  • Continue with Mathematics and a writing subject
If you are detailed and practical:
  • Look at Construction and Mechanical Technologies, with Mathematics and Science

Take opportunities at school to become a more confident communicator as everybody needs this skill

Do you have a second language? Value it, as two languages are an employment asset in many industries.

DETAILED

Suggested subject choices

To save your subject choices click the icon next to your chosen subject(s).


MathematicsScienceEnglishAccountingBusiness StudiesHistory
GeographyTourismDigital Technologies Construction and Mechanical Technologies Gateway

Senior subjects

CalculusStatisticsDigital StudiesComputing Studies

SUBJECTS for interest, writing and balance: Geography, Social Studies, and languages depending on your interests.

LOOK UP the subjects in your school’s subject guide to see what they are and where they lead to in Year 12 and 13.
ASK ABOUT subject with Deans and teachers to fully understand what you would learn.
Where do these lead in the future?
Accounting / Finance / Business Information Systems / ManagementLaw and Legal StudiesEngineering Technologies Computer and Mathematical Sciences HospitalityTourism Management

Other industries

Select to record and explore further

Administration and Clerical WorkAccounts, Records ManagementGovernment services eg Customs and Immigration, CourtsTravel and Tourism
Health Management and Administration Cashier, Casino and Gaming Services DraftingTechnicianTrades

Plan ahead for the best options later

Why look ahead now?

  • It’s only when you explore future options you see the subjects that are needed. Look ahead now to explore likely interest areas.
  • You will notice that most training or degrees cover a range of options, getting an idea of these early is useful. Read the majors and find out what they mean.
  • Build your JOBS and SUBJECTS word knowledge - you can miss out on a good choice because you haven’t understood what the words mean.