Subject Choices For Matric – Start With Us Right Now

If you want to change subjects, you can. You are allowed to change a minimum of four subjects when studying the Upgrade Matric or Rewrite Matric Course.

Studying Matric is one of the most important parts of your career. This grade provides you with the knowledge that prepares you for university and employment. The knowledge you acquire comes from the subjects you learn. These include the following: 

Languages: 

Non-languages:

What Subjects Are Needed For Matric?

There are seven subjects needed for Matric in High School. These subjects are categorised into two types. There are subjects that are compulsory and those that are elective. Compulsory subjects are those students are required to study, and electives are subjects that students can randomly choose for themselves. 

There are different kinds of fields. For example, a subject such as Accounting goes with subjects such as Business Studies, Mathematics and Economics. A subject such as Life Sciences goes with subjects such as Physical Sciences, Mathematics and Geography. 

Each High School is different. Find out how subjects are chosen in your school and choose the subjects that are best for you.

What Are The Four Compulsory Subjects?

Below is a table that shows the four compulsory subjects along with the elective subjects: 

Below are the compulsory subjects. Choose four of these based on the following description:There are the subjects that are elective. Choose any three of these:
  • Must select a Home Language subject 
  • Must select an English First Additional Language subject 
  • Must select a Life Orientation subject 
  • Must select a Mathematical subject

 

Choose four (4) subjects from the following list that fall under the above category:

 

  • English Home Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Huistaal
  • Afrikaans Eerste Addisionele Taal
  • Sesotho Home Language
  • Siswati Home Language
  • Setswana Home Language
  • isiZulu Home Language
  • isiXhosa Home Language
  • isiNdebele Home Language
  • Sepedi Home Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Literacy
  • Life Orientation 
  • Economics 
  • Physical Sciences
  • Life Sciences 
  • Agricultural Sciences 
  • Business Studies 
  • Accounting 
  • History 
  • Geography 
  • Religious Studies

Please note that elective subjects differ in all High Schools. 

How Do I Choose My Subjects?

You must choose subjects in Matric based on the goals you have. The subjects you choose must prepare you for the goals you have set. For example, if your goal is to study Financial Accounting at the university, you must choose subjects such as Accounting and Mathematics in High School. 

Here is how you can choose subjects in High School: 

  • Look at your interest 
  • Assess your career opportunities 

Look At Your Interest 

You must choose subjects that you are interested in. The interest you have will build into a passion. You will be curious and this will make you want to learn more about the subjects. When there is an interest involved, you will study and this can enable you to pass.  

Assess The Career Opportunities

Will the subjects you choose help you find employment? This is something you should assess. Finding employment after Matric is easier if you have the relevant subjects. 

For example, if you have chosen and passed subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Sciences, employers can hire you because they believe you are competent enough to work. 

You should always choose subjects that match the goals you have. If you are doing your Matric through Matric College, you can ask our Course Experts to assist you. They will help you choose subjects that match the goals, finances and interests you have. 

Which Subject Is Best For Your Career?

This depends on the career you want to pursue. However, most careers require that you have Mathematics. Do research on the career you want to pursue and see what subjects are required. This will help you to change subjects if you have to. 

To change subjects in Matric, you can ask your teacher and principal to allow you to change subjects. Please note that only a minimum of two subjects can be changed. Some High Schools only allow you to change one subject. This is only done at the beginning of the year. If you are not yet in Matric, you also have the chance to change subjects

If the time has passed for you to change subjects in Matric, you can change subjects through a college. Apply for the Upgrade Matric Course and change subjects. Matric College allows you to change a minimum of four subjects. 

You will study the course and write a final examination. After the course, you will be awarded a Matric Certificate with your new subjects.

Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Subjects?

It is important to choose the right subjects because of the following: 

Watch Our Principal, Jan Badenhorst Give You Tips About Subject Choices For Matric

Can I Pass Matric If I Fail Maths?

Yes, you can pass Matric even if you fail Mathematics. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has a policy that allows students in Matric to fail one subject but pass Matric. However, you are not advised to fail any subjects. You will need to pass all subjects with good marks to study at the university.

What Is The Pass Mark For Maths?

There is no specific pass mark for Maths in Matric. However, you are advised to pass with 50% and above marks. If you have challenges with Mathematics and may fail to get 50%, you must strive to pass with 30%. Please note that if you have 30% for Maths, you may not get into university. 

Can I Get Into University With Maths Lit?

Yes, you can get into university with Mathematical Literacy (Maths Lit). You must have at least 50% to get into the university. However, this differs with each university and the course you apply for. You may be required to have 60% to study Law. 

Can You Fail Two Subjects In Matric?

No, you cannot fail two subjects in Matric. If two or more subjects are failed, then a student is considered to have failed Matric. If this happens, you will have to do a rewrite. You can enrol for a Rewrite Matric Course at Matric College and improve your results. 

Can You Get A Bachelor’s Degree Pass If You Fail One Subject?

Yes, you can get a Bachelor’s Degree Pass if you fail one subject. However, you should focus on passing all your subjects in Matric. Here are the marks you need to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree Pass: 

  • A minimum of 40% in your home language 
  • A minimum of 50% in four subjects 
  • A minimum of 30% in two other subjects 

Having a Bachelor’s Degree Pass raises your opportunities of gaining admission to a university. However, please note that your acceptance is not automatic. You must meet the requirements of the university and the course applied for. 

Can I Change My Subjects After Matric?

Yes, you can change your subjects after Matric. To do this, you can study for the Upgrade Matric Course through Matric College. You will be able to change a minimum of four subjects. On completion of this course, you will receive a Matric Certificate with new subjects. 

Matric College is the best place for you to study with or without Matric. Apply today and start studying towards your dream qualification.

Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date: August 22, 2022