Wesley College

When choosing school subjects, it is a good idea to start by working out those you enjoy and those you are strongest at. Subjects you enjoy may link to your interests in and outside of school. Sometimes you may never have studied a subject but want to try it out. 

You are more likely to put effort into the subjects you enjoy but you also need to consider what subjects (and combinations of subjects) will be useful to you in your future career. 

For many pathways, you do not need to have studied particular NCEA subjects at school. However, if you have a career goal, then it is important to find out if any subjects are required. 

If a student has not got a clear idea of a future career, then keeping their subjects broad at school is a good idea to prepare them for a range of different pathways.

For those studying Level 1 next year, your compulsory subjects are English, Maths, Science and Life and Faith, choose the following:

1. 1 of the 3 Sciences ( Health Science, Engineering Science and Ag/hort Science) 

2.  2 other options. 

For those studying Level 2 next year, English and Life and Faith are compulsory, then choose:

1. 4 other options

2. Only if you are interested, either MIT, and / or Gateway

For those studying Level 3 next year:, Life and Faith is compulsory, then choose:

1. 6 options

2. Only if interested, either MIT and / or Gateway

In choosing subjects, some questions that should be asked are:

  1. Does the subject fit with the career the student wishes to follow?
  2. Can the student cope with the subject?
  3. Does the subject appeal to the student?
  4. Can the subject be taken in subsequent years?
  5. Is there an advantage to taking this subject beyond the purely "useful"?

In making choices, parents and students should consider all of the factors above. Refer also to resources including 'The Future of Jobs' and 'Tips for Selecting NCEA Subjects'. Please also read on before selecting subjects.

Ready to Choose Options Now

For help on selecting your options- read this page.

Where there is doubt as to the choice of subjects, then the teacher of a subject may be consulted or the Head of Department for that subject.

Any difficulties or further need for advice should be referred to your Dean. 

Advice as to the relationship between careers and subject choice should be referred to the school's Careers Advisor