ALEXANDRA

HIGH SCHOOL
Grade 9
Subject Choice Booklet

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FOREWORD
Dear parent/guardian and grade 9 learner, this booklet has been put together in
the hopes of better equipping you with the information you need to make the
most informed choice when selecting a subject package for your senior phase of
schooling. We hope that you go through this booklet carefully and discuss what
would be in the best interest of the learner taking into account his/her potential
and strengthens. Best of luck and we wish you all the success for the rest of your
schooling career!

Two of the main reasons for high dropout rates at tertiary institutions are the
following:
a) Learners often choose the wrong degree programme.
b) Learners often do not ensure that their Grade 10 subject choices are aligned
with the requirements of the degree programme they are interested in applying
for.

This booklet serves to address the second issue, thereby ensuring that learners
eliminate the possibility of dropping out. We want learners to make sensible
subject choices that will best serve their needs after completing their matric.
Each subject choice should reflect flexibility and allow for the learners to plan
for their future without limiting themselves in any way. Learners have a crucial
responsibility in this regard, because uninformed subject choice decisions may
negatively affect their future career planning.

Pace Careers has become a recognized leader in the field of career guidance.
They offer comprehensive information on a wide list of possible careers that
one can choose from. Further to the information about the specific career, they
also provide information on subjects that one should be selecting at school level
for the said career.
1. Go to [Link]
2. Click on resources.
Here, you will find career resources and links to
• Grade 9 Subject Choice ([Link]
• How to complete the PACE Self-Exploration Questionnaire
• University closing dates
• Bursaries
The link below takes you to a site called Go Study. This site provides a detailed
approach to subjects and careers related to subjects that one can do at high
school. There is a career questionnaire that you can take to make sure you

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choose subjects and career paths that are best suited to your abilities and
strengths.
[Link] Information on career, study, financial aid and subject choices

Most universities use a POINT SYSTEM for

admission
Here is an example based on UKZN 2021 Undergraduate
Admission Point Score

NSC Rating NSC Percentage Points Value

7 80% to 100% 7
6 70% to 79% 6

5 60% to 69% 5

4 50% to 59% 4

3 40% to 49% 3

2 30% to 39% 2

1 20%to 29% 1

Generally you add the points for six of your subjects (excluding Life
Orientation). Please note that meeting the bare minimum requirement is not
always enough to get you into your desired degree programme, so work
towards getting the highest possible marks in all your subjects.

Please note that many universities require a mark of 50% or more for Life
Orientation for admission.

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 REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE
(NSC)

The following information outlines the requirements needed to obtain

a National Senior Certificate. They are divided into three levels.
 GET - General Education and Training (Grade 0-9)
 FET - Further Education and Training (Grade 10 - 12)
 HE- Higher Education (Universities, Training Collages, etc)
The present curriculum is known as the Curriculum and Assessment
Policy Statement (CAPS).

Approved Subjects for the FET phase are divided into Organizing
Fields. The following table illustrates the subjects within the
organizing fields that we offer.

Organizing Field Of Learning Subjects

1. Culture and Arts Dramatic Arts, Visual
Arts
2. Business, Commerce and Accounting, Business
Management Studies
3. Communication and Language English, IsiZulu and
Afrikaans
4. Manufacturing, Engineering and Engineering Graphic
Technology Design
5. Human and Social Studies Geography, History, Life
Orientation
6. Physical, Mathematical, Computer Computer Applications
and Life Sciences Technology,
Information
Technology,
Life Sciences,
Mathematics,
Mathematical Literacy
and
Physical Sciences
7. Services Hospitality Studies,
Tourism
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What are the minimum requirements for a candidate to obtain a National
Senior Certificate?
All subjects are offered at one level. i.e. there is no Higher Grade or Standard
Grade. To pass the NSC the minimum requirements are:
 Achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at
Home Language level and 30% in three subjects.
 Provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects offered.

Higher Education Institution requirements and support

What are the minimum requirements for further studies relating to Higher
Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies?

 Higher Certificate.
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a
minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher
education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council.
Institutional and programme needs may require additional combinations or
recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.

 Diploma.
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a
minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher
education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council,
coupled with an achievement rating of 3 or better in four recognised 20-
credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional
combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.

 Bachelor’s Degree
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a
minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher
education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council,
coupled with an achievement rating of 4 or better in four recognised 20-
credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional
combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.

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 Learners must choose one subject from each line, as indicated below:
Line 2 Line 4 Line 5 Line 6 Line 7
Afrikaans Core Physical History Geography
(1st Additional) Mathematics Sciences

IsiZulu Mathematical Business Accounting Dramatic Arts

st
(1 Additional) Literacy Studies
Life Sciences Visual Arts Business Studies

Tourism Hospitality Information

Studies Technology
Life Sciences Computer
Applications
Technology
Engineering,
Graphics and
Design

Class Capacity will be between 30 - 35 per subject, with the exception of the
following specialized subjects:
1. Information Technology (30)
2. CAT (26)
3. Hospitality(25)
4. EGD (30)
The Promotion requirements for GET/Senior Phase (Grade 7, 8 and 9) are as
follows:
1. English (Home Language) Level 4 : 50%
2. Afrikaans/isiZulu(FAL) Level 3 : 40%
3. Mathematics Level 3 : 40%
4. THREE more subjects Level 3 : 40%
5. TWO more subjects Level 2 : 30%
6. There is evidence of all Formal Assessment Tasks (FATs) so that the School
Based Assessment (SBA) component is complete.
7. The end of year result is comprised of an SBA component of 40% and an
Examination mark of 60%.

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FET Assessment is graded on a seven point scale as follows:

Rating Code Rating Marks %

7 Outstanding Achievement 80 -100
6 Meritorious Achievement 70 - 79
5 Substantial Achievement 60 - 69
4 Moderate Achievement 50 - 59
3 Adequate Achievement 40 - 49
2 Elementary Achievement 30 - 39
1 Not Achieved 0 - 29

A learner’s subject choice must include four fundamental subjects and three
elective subjects.
FUNDAMENTAL SUBJECTS CONSIST OF:
 Two official languages. One Home Language and one First Additional
Language. We offer English Home Language and a choice between either
IsiZulu First Additional or Afrikaans First Additional.
 Core Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. Please note that a learner may
choose either one of these however it is imperative that learners consider
the prerequisite requirements for other subjects when deciding between
Core Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy. Also, to remain in Core
Mathematics, learners must achieve no less than 30% in this subject
throughout grade 10 and grade 11.
 Life Orientation.
ELECTIVE SUBJECTS:
 Learners may then choose three other subjects that we offer at Alexandra
High School.
 Class sizes, number of teachers available to teach the subject and learners’
marks play an important role in whether or not a learner is matched with
the chosen elective. For example, the Hospitality room can accommodate
25 learners. This is because of the kitchen equipment and resources that
are used during lessons. Hence the capacity of the class cannot be
exceeded.
 Admission to Physical Sciences is based on merit. Learners must achieve
50% and above in Mathematics and 50% and above in Natural Sciences in
Grade 9, to be allowed to choose Physical Sciences. The nature and
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 curriculum for Physical Sciences as a subject requires considerable ability,
and learners who have an inclination to hard work and the ability to endure
will be best suited to this subject.
 Learners who consider doing both Physical Sciences and Life Sciences (also
known as the double science combination) should be of above average
ability.
 Admission to Information Technology requires a Grade 9 Mathematics
mark of 50% and above.
 For Accounting, the prerequisite is 50% and above for both Mathematics
and EMS in Grade 9. Due to the academically demanding nature of this
subject, learners wanting to choose Accounting should ensure that they
have a very sound work ethic to deal with the pressures of the subject.
 A learner who chooses Physical Sciences or Information Technology must
have also chosen Mathematics. Should a learner perform poorly in
Mathematics (Below 30%) and then have to move over to Mathematical
Literacy, this will then affect the learner’s ability to continue with Physical
Science and/or Information Technology at that stage.
NB: When deciding on your options, you will be able to select three choices. It is
necessary to choose options that allow the learner flexibility and leave room for
the learner should circumstances change or interests develop beyond their
initial choice.
Perhaps have more than one possible career plan and select subjects
accordingly.
Once a subject package has been allocated to a learner, the learner will carry
these subjects throughout the senior phase, i.e. from grade 10 all the way
through to Grade 12. Subject changes will only be done if a learner is achieving
below 30% in the following subjects:
1. Afrikaans.
2. Mathematics.
3. Physical Sciences.
The procedure that will be followed will be thus. In term one of the Grade 10 and
Grade 11 year, learners who are performing poorly in these above mentioned
subjects (below 30%) will receive a letter explaining that should these marks not
improve, the learner will be removed from said subject/s. The learner will have till
the end of term two in Grade 10 and Grade 11 to make an improvement. If there
is no improvement, the learner will have to drop the subject and add another
subject that is more suited to his/her capabilities.

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Depending on which subjects are affected, more than one change may occur. This
would happen if a pre-requisite subject had to be changed.
In term three of Grade 10, learners who are performing poorly in Afrikaans,
Mathematics and /or Physical Sciences, will receive a letter explaining that should
these marks not improve, the learner will be removed from said subject/s. The
learner will have till the end of term four in grade 10 to make an improvement. If
there is no improvement, the learner will have to drop the subject and add
another subject that is more suited to his/her capabilities.
Learners must give serious thought to their subject choices as changes can only
happen in the above mentioned cases. No subject changes will be permitted in
the Grade 12 year.

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 SOME INFORMATION ON SUBJECTS OFFERED AT
ALEXANDRA HIGH SCHOOL
MATHEMATICS
The science of structure, order, and relation that has evolved from elemental
practices of counting, measuring, and describing the shapes of objects.

What can I do with Mathematics?

These days Mathematics is used everywhere and it is used more and more. This
makes it possible for a Mathematician to apply his/her knowledge in almost every
field one can think of. Mathematics is about solving problems of purely
theoretical or practical nature. You could for instance:
 Determine how to manage an industry in order to show the maximum
profits.
 Model the population growth of antelope on a game farm.
 Predict the performance of an artificial limb.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Investment Risk and Performance Analyst
 Supply Planner
 Teacher
 Simulation and Modeling Consultant
 Optimization Consultant
 Demand Planner
 Lecturer
 Business Analyst
 Research Statistician

MATHEMATICAL LITERACY
We all face critical decisions in our learning process, especially when choosing the
most appropriate subjects for our major. One of the essential choices that Grade
9 learners must make pertains to Mathematical Literacy.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Marketing
 Hairdressing
 Management
 Primary Health
 Hospitality Studies
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  Office Administration
 Transport & Logistics
 Business Management
 Jewellery Manufacturer
 Education & Development
 Engineering & Related Design
 Beauty Therapy
 (ITEC Diploma) Finance, Economics & Accounting

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Physical sciences is the study of the inorganic world. That is, it does not study
living things. The four main branches of Physical Sciences are Astronomy, Physics,
Chemistry, and the Earth Sciences, which include Meteorology and Geology.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Biologist
 Ecologist
 Environmental Consultant
 Life Sciences Teacher
 Researcher
 Environmental Impact Expert
 Plant Specialist
 Conservation Scientist
 Environmental Educator

BUSINESS STUDIES
Business Studies is a broad subject in the social sciences, allowing the in-depth
study of a range of specialties such as accountancy, finance, organization, human
resources management and marketing.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Operations Manager
 Actuarial Analyst
 Marketing Manager
 Actuary
 Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
 Data Analyst
 Project Manager

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LIFE SCIENCES
Life Sciences is the study of life and living things. Living things are also called
organisms. Life Sciences is often referred to as Biology. Life Scientists work in
many different settings, from classrooms, to labs, to natural habitats.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Biomedical Scientist
 Biotechnologist
 Biochemist Computational
 Biologist Microbiologist
 Clinical Research Associate
 Industrial Pharmacist Research Assistant

HISTORY
History is not a series of events and dates. Rather, it is concerned with what men
and women have done in the past, why they did it, and what the consequences
were. Historians stimulate us to want to know about the past, to find out about it
by looking at evidence and weighing it up, to write about it, and to think and to
argue about what it means for us today. History tries to get us to understand both
motivation and explanation for actions, whether these are about starting a war,
choosing a particular political system, taking photographs of social significance,
accepting a national identity, or raising financial interest rates.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Secondary School Teacher
 Journalist
 Civil Service Administrator
 Solicitor
 Archivist
 Curator
 Heritage Manager
 Academic Librarian

TOURISM
Tourism is the study of the activities, services and industries that deliver a travel
experience to groups or individuals. It is the study of the expectations and
behaviour of tourists, and the economic, social and environmental impact of
tourism on South Africa
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Purpose: Tourism orientates and prepares young people for a career in the
tourism industry.

In the subject Tourism learners will study:

• different types of tourists and the purpose of their travelling;
• the different tourism sectors, with special reference to transport,
hospitality, travel organising and support services, and the attraction
sector;
• map work;
• foreign exchange concepts and the buying power of different foreign
currencies;
• the influence of world time zones on travel;
• South Africa and the SADC countries as tourism destinations;
• world famous icons and World Heritage Sites;
• sustainable and responsible tourism;
• marketing of tourism products;
• technology in tourism;
• customer care and the value of service excellence; and
• Tour planning.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

• Concierge Desk
• Conference and Events Planning
• Reservations at Accommodation Establishments
• Information Centre
• Tour Operator
• Tourism Development
• Tour Guide

ACCOUNTING
Accounting is the process of recording financial transactions pertaining to a
business. The accounting process includes summarizing, analyzing and reporting
these transactions to oversight agencies, regulators and tax collection entities.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Cost Accountant
 Cost Clerk
 Cost Controller
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  Finance Manager
 Financial Analyst
 Financial Controller
 Financial Investment Advisor
 Management Accountant

VISUALS ARTS
The Visual Arts are art forms that create works that are primarily visual in nature,
such as ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, crafts,
photography, video, film making and architecture.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Fabric Designer
 Fashion Designer
 Film-maker
 Floral Designer
 Furniture Designer
 Gallery Owner Glass Blower
 Graphic Designer

HOSPITALITY STUDIES
Hospitality Management and Tourism is the study of the hospitality industry. A
degree in the subject may be awarded either by a University College dedicated to
the studies of hospitality management or a Business School with a relevant
department.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Accommodation Manager
 Catering Manager
 Chef
 Conference Centre Manager
 Event Manager
 Fast Food Restaurant Manager
 Hotel Manager
 Public House Manager

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ENGINEERING GRAPHICS AND DESIGN
Engineering Graphics and Design integrates cognitive and manipulative skills to
communicate graphically, using a combination of lines, symbols and signs in order
to produce products, processes, services and systems which contribute towards
economic growth and enhanced quality of life.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Architecture
 Medical Technician
 Industrial Designer
 Interior Designer
 Landscape Architect
 Quantity Surveyor
 Building Management

GEOGRAPHY
Geography is the study of places and the relationships between people and their
environments. Geographers explore both the physical properties of Earth's
surface and the human societies spread across it.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Environmental Consultant
 Cartographer Town Planner
 Geographical Information Systems Officer
 Conservation Officer
 Landscape Architect
 Teacher/Lecturer

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information Technology is the study, design, development, implementation,
support or management of computer-based information systems—particularly
software applications and computer hardware. IT workers help ensure that
computers work well for people.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Application Analyst
 Cyber Security Analyst
 Data Analyst
 Data Scientist
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  Database Administrator
 Information Systems Manager
 IT Consultant
 IT Technical Support Officer

COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

Computer Applications Technology is the study of the integrated components of a
computer system (hardware and software) and the practical techniques for their
efficient use and application to solve everyday problems.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 IT Support Technicians
 End User Computing Technician
 Senior Data Engineer
 Head Information Technology
 BIS Administrator
 System Development Helpdesk
 IT Officer
 Front End Web Developer

DRAMATIC ARTS
Dramatic Arts is the study of the representation of human experience in dramatic
form for an audience. This subject aims to integrate practical experiences with the
study of dramatic theory.

Possible Career Choices, but NOT limited to these

 Actor
 Broadcast Presenter
 Community Arts Worker
 Drama Therapist
 Runner, Broadcasting/Film/Video
 Theatre Director
 Theatre Stage Manager

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This is a template of the subject choice form that the Grade 9 learner will have
to complete and submit by the end of term three.

Please note that for every line that has more than one subject, the learner must
select ONE subject from that line.
LINE ENGLISH
1 (MAIN LANG)
(ENGHL)
LINE AFRIKAANS
ISIZULU (1st
2 (1st
Additional)
Additional)
(ZULFA)
(AFRFA)
LINE LIFE
3 ORIENTATION
(LIFE)
LINE
MATHS
4 MAT HS
LITERACY
(MATHS)
(MLIT)

LINE BUSINESS PHYSICAL

LIFE SCIENCE TOURISM
5 STUDIES SCIENCES
(LFSC) (TOU)
(BSTD) (PHSC)
LINE HOSPITALITY ENGINEERING,
ACCOUNTING VISUAL ARTS LIFE SCIENCE
6 HISTORY (HIST) STUDIES GRAPHICS AND
(ACCN) (VSLA) (LFSC)
(HOSP) DESIGN (EGD)
LINE COMPUTER
BUSINESS INFORMATION
7 GEOGRAPHY DRAMATIC APPLICATION
STUDIES TECHNOLOGY
(GEOG) ARTS (DRMA) TECHNOLOGY
(BSTD) (INFT)
(CATN)

CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact the school with regards to any queries relating to
subject choices and we will try our best to assist you.
1. Mrs H Maharaj (Grade 9 Subject Choice Coordinator)
hmaharaj@[Link]
2. Mrs P Mathfield (School Counsellor)
pmathfield@[Link]

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