Selecting subjects for Yr 9 and 10 is an important decision that can significantly influence your academic performance and future career. As you transition into some of the most pivotal years of your high school education, it is essential to consider many factors to make sure you have the best opportunity to do well in year 11 and 12. This process not only involves understanding the requirements set by your school, but also exploring new subjects that spark your interest and passion for learning. With careful guidance from mentors and teachers, as well as information from outside sources, you can make an informed decision on what subjects would work best for you and will support your growth and development throughout your educational journey.

Understanding the requirements for a future course, degree or career

Every student in the Australian education system must take a Mathematics and an English subject. Aside from that, you are legally free to choose whatever subject you want. It is generally best to look at the future courses or careers you want to be a part of, and see what prerequisites or knowledge you may need to excel in these. For example, if you were interested in doing a Bachelor of Science at the University of Melbourne, you need to take English/English Language/Literature, Mathematical Methods/Specialists, as well as Biology, Chemistry or Physics. You may also do Methods and Specialist instead of one of the science subjects. With this in mind, you have to make sure that you pick each of these prerequisites in your subject preferences. You can find whatever prerequisites you need on your desired university’s course page. 

If you are not interested in getting a bachelor’s degree, then you can look at the subjects and pick the ones that would be useful in your future career.

Know what subjects are interesting to you

When selecting subjects for Year 9 and 10, it’s vital to assess your personal interests, as these can greatly influence your motivation and engagement in school. Start by reflecting on the subjects you have enjoyed the most in earlier years. Think about what aspects of those classes excited you—was it the hands-on projects in science, the creativity of art, or the critical thinking involved in history? Identifying these interests can help guide your choices toward subjects that resonate with you.

Assess your strengths and weaknesses

It is good to find a balance between what you know you will do well in, and what you want to choose as your subjects. Often these will overlap, but it is important to have a solid understanding of which subjects you know you will do well in. For subjects where you face challenges, assess whether you’re willing to put in extra effort or seek additional support. Strive for a balance that leverages your strengths while addressing weaknesses strategically, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience that supports both personal growth and future goals. Remember, it is better to choose a subject that you know you will excel in over a subject you know you will do poorly in, even if it is scaled better or is a prerequisite (you can take bridging courses for certain prerequisites if you have a good enough ATAR).

Be aware of subject scaling

One of the many factors that will guide your choices in subjects will be the scaling associated with them. This is especially important if you are debating between two subjects. It is always best to compare the two to see which ones will pay off more in the end if you were to get the same score. Remember, just because a subject scales well does not mean you should pick it if you think you will not do well. Opting for subjects where you perform well and are passionate can still lead to strong outcomes, even if those subjects are less favourably scaled. Understanding and strategically using scaling information can enhance your academic performance and better align your efforts with your future goals. You can find the past scaling reports online to see how previous years had their marks changed by googling ‘(state) ATAR scaling report’.