Grade 10 subject choices lock in the elective combination that follows you to Grade 12. They’re hard to change once made. The combination determines which Bachelor’s Pass routes are open (specific designated subjects at 50%+), which Diploma and Higher Certificate fields will accept the application, and which university faculties (engineering, health sciences, commerce) require Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy. Subject changes after the choice are possible but constrained, schools require a formal request before final-exam registration closes, after which the combination is locked. Why each subject choice matters and what to weigh up is what the rest of this page covers.
What Are the Grade 10 Subjects You Can Choose?
Below, we’ve listed the subjects you can choose in Grade 10:
Compulsory Subjects
For the compulsory subjects, you must choose a Home Language, English First Additional Language, Life Orientation, and one Mathematical subject:
- English Home Language
- English First Additional Language
- Afrikaans Home Language
- 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
Elective Subjects
You can choose any 3 of the following elective subjects:
- Economics
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Agricultural Sciences
- Business Studies
- Accounting
- History
- Geography
- Religious Studies
Why Is It Important To Research Before Making Subject Choices?
You should do research on the subjects you want to study in Grade 10 because it will help you with the following:
- Understand what the subjects are about
- Choose subjects that align with your career goals
- Choose subjects that match your interests and abilities
Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Subjects In Grade 10?
- Prepares you for Matric
- Influences your career goals
- Shape your abilities
Prepares You For Matric
The subjects you choose in Grade 10 are the ones you study in Grade 12. Matric is important as it determines whether you’ll be able to study at university or not. When you choose your subjects in Grade 10, make sure that you will be able to pass these subjects in Matric.
Influences Your Career Goals
The subjects you choose in Grade 10 impact the type of career you might follow after High School. For example, if you choose to study History, Geography, Agricultural Sciences and Mathematical Literacy in High School, you cannot use these subjects to study Medicine at university.
To study Medicine, you will be required to have Life Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematics. This is why it is important to choose matric subjects that will allow you to follow the career you want.
Shape Your Abilities
The subjects you study contribute to your abilities. They provide you with knowledge and skills. When you complete Matric, you can use the knowledge and skills you acquired from different subjects to find employment. The following types of work are available to you:
- Call Centre Agent
- Cashier
- Store Assistant
- General Worker
- Sales Representative
What Should You Consider When Choosing Subjects In Grade 10?
When choosing your Grade 10 subjects, you should consider the following factors:
- What are the subjects about?
- Will I be able to understand the subjects?
- Will I manage to pass the subject assessments?
- Can these subjects help me follow my dream career?
- Will the knowledge and skills I acquire help me secure a stable career?
- Do the subjects match my interest and abilities?
Should Students Learn Only Subjects They Like?
No, students should not only learn subjects they like. It is rare for students to like all subjects. You may only like a few subjects out of the seven subjects you study in Grade 10.
This is good because it challenges you to study hard. However, make sure that you study subjects that match your interests, abilities and career goals.
Can You Pass Grade 10 If You Fail Maths?
Yes, you can fail Maths and still pass Grade 10. You only need 40% in three subjects, of which one must be English, and 30% in the three remaining subjects. A minimum of six of the seven subjects must be passed.
Why Is Learning Important For Students?
- Learning is important for students because it provides them with skills and knowledge they need. When they have this, they are able to progress to the next stage in life.
- For example, in school, you can use the skills and knowledge you have acquired to pass assignments, tests and exams. This helps you pass and move on to the next grade.
- When you do start looking for employment or become self-employed, you earn a salary which helps you make a good living. This means learning helps improve your quality of life.
- So start thinking about your Grade 10 subjects, as this will give you skills that will help you find employment and further your studies in your chosen field.
Should Teenagers Concentrate On All Subjects?
Yes, teenagers should concentrate on all subjects. All subjects are important. You need to study all your subjects in order to pass. To ensure that you have enough time for all your subjects, you can create a study timetable. This will help you keep track of your subjects and any assignments, tests or exams you may have.
For example, you can study one subject on Monday and another one on Tuesday. Do this until all your subjects are covered, and repeat the process throughout the year.
Can A Grade 10 Learner Go To College?
Yes, a Grade 10 learner can go to college. You can study through Matric College. We offer courses that can help you get Matric or higher-level qualifications. If you have Grade10, these are the courses you can enrol for:
Adult Matric Course
You can study our Adult Matric Course to get your Matric. You will have to write an exam to pass the course. The exam counts for 100% of your final mark. A minimum of 50% is required to pass. You will be awarded a Matric Qualification when you pass.
ICB Course
You can study our ICB Courses without Matric. You will have to write tests, assignments and exams to pass. You need a final mark of at least 60% to pass. When you complete an ICB Course, you will be awarded an Accredited ICB Qualification.
Short Courses
You can study Short Courses with no Matric. You will have to write assignments to pass these courses. You need at least 50% to pass the assignments. When you pass these courses, you will be awarded a Certificate Qualification.
Make The Most Of Your Matric
You can study at Matric College today. This is possible because we are a distance learning college. You can study with us whether you have Matric or not. Our courses are designed for all students.
People Also Ask
Choosing your Grade 10 subjects early helps you:
- Build skills and pass well in Matric: These subjects carry through to Grade 12, so picking ones you can understand and excel in boosts your marks later.
- Align with career goals: Subjects like Life Sciences or Physical Sciences open doors to fields like medicine or engineering, whereas others shape different paths.
- Develop strengths and interests: Early selection lets you grow knowledge and talent in areas you’re passionate about.
Yes! While Grade 10 alone isn’t enough for university, you can enter college-level, certificate, or Adult Matric programmes with just Grade 10:
- Adult Matric courses allow Grade 10 learners to eventually get their Matric qualification via distance learning even before finishing Grade 12.
- ICB programmes and short courses don’t require Matric at all—you can start them with Grade 10 and earn accredited certificates.
When picking Grade 10 subjects, consider the following:
- Your interests & abilities Choose subjects you enjoy and are good at—this builds passion and makes learning easier.
- Career aspirations Match subjects to your desired pathways—e.g., choose Physical Sciences and Mathematics for engineering or medicine; opt for Business Studies or Economics for commerce roles.
- Further education requirements Many degree courses require specific subject combinations (e.g., Maths + Science for medical/science fields). Research these early.
- Subject difficulty & passability Ensure you can achieve at least a pass mark. Balancing challenging yet manageable subjects increases your success chances.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Stacey Christian
Date Published: December 14, 2022