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Ideally subject choices or combinations in schools should be influenced by the learner’s plans in life.
The learner must be clear on what he or she wants to become in life. Admitted some school circumstances do not necessarily allow for this choice to prevail.
However, at Trust Academy High School we focus on the aspirations of the student and help him/ her to take subject combinations that align with his or her career plans. We empower students to make informed and responsible choices for themselves.
We believe learners should not be passive receivers! We encourage students to make their career decisions in accordance with their interests, abilities, and personal orientations apart from external factors such as career prospects, subject choices available, constraints and opportunities.
Why is it important for learners to make informed subject choices?
The subject choice at secondary school level (right from Form 1 — if possible) could determine the field of study learners can follow once they complete school. In other words, if learners do not select the correct combination of subjects, they could find themselves unable to enter certain higher or further education programmes.
The first thing learners need to know is that to qualify for higher/ further education and training studies they must be certain that they have the right subjects to meet the minimum entry requirements to study further. Of course, for a degree, diploma or certificate studies, it is important that the learner chooses subjects that are appropriate to the career he/ she intends to follow and that they try to keep their options open as their plans may change as they go along.
Highlights on Trust Academy High School new subjects offered
As Trust Academy High School (TAHS), we are convinced that today’s student is tomorrow’s leader in business. As such our subject combinations consider futuristic and global perspectives. TAHS has since introduced the following new subjects offered by IGSCE, AS and A level Cambridge Examination board:
– Travel and Tourism is designed to help meet the need for skilled and knowledgeable individuals in this rapidly diversified industry. It’s designed to provide a broad introduction to the travel and tourism industry and related ancillary services industries. The tourism industry is a fast-growing industry globally. There are various career opportunities and this combination is the best for those who are looking for career prospects in this field.
– Environmental Management is offered at IGCSE as well as at Advanced Level. This subject is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding of environmental issues. The curriculum covers areas to do with sustainable development and how earth resources are utilised. Environmental management graduates have career prospects in industries as Safety Health, Environment and Quality Control (SHEQ) officers, in local authorities, NGO’s and in Government.
– Development Studies is another subject offered by Trust Academy High School that should be considered by students. The subject covers development studies, lifelong skill and use of these to curb poverty, exploitation and environmental destruction in communities.
– Global perspective at IGCSE, AS and A-level provides opportunities for inquiry and reflection on global issues from different perspectives, that is personal, local and globally. It encourages awareness of global problems and offers a wide range of opportunities to explore solutions through cooperation and collaboration. The subject lays strong foundation for further research on Local Governance and International relations.
– Studying Child Development at IGSCE Level prepares students to further their studies at universities and employers also accept the subject as proof of knowledge and understanding of all the aspects of child development from theoretical as well as practical perspective. The subject lays the much-needed foundation for further studies in Developmental psychology and Scientific appreciation of all other ages of human development and Early Child Hood Development (ECD).
– Studying Law — Competition for places on law degree programmes is fierce and learners will need a strong academic record with at least three good passes in any academic. A-level subjects to get into most universities include Divinity, History, Sociology, Law, IsiNdebele, Literature in English
– Studying Medicine/Pharmacy/Engineering/Actuarial — Entry requirements to these degrees vary, but you normally need at very GOOD passes at O level plus a combination of the following at A level at grades A, including Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Pure Maths, Statistics and Physics.
– Studying Banking and Finance/ Accounting/Risk Management/Computing/Accounting /other business-oriented careers — require the following subjects: Economics, Mathematics, Accounting, Computer Science, ICTs etc
Summary Guide to parents and guardians — as a school we believe that parents can assist us greatly through:
– Discuss the various options with their child to ensure the appropriate subject choices are made.
– Help their children collect information on a variety of careers and the necessary subjects that they will require right from Form 1especially noting that subject combinations are a very important decision that will have an effect on the learners’ future, especially their career options.
– Assist their children appreciate that almost all types of employment require training and that universities require learners to have combinations of subjects in order to study further.
– Ensuring that their children appreciate that they need mathematics, sciences, English Language to study further.
νMaking every effort to attend Career Fairs organised by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education in collaboration with the National Employment Services Division (NESD) during school terms. Indeed, some schools organise their own career guidance days.
– This article is prepared and presented in the interest of providing free career guidance and counselling to all people who value education and training as a critical cornerstone to success in life. Trust Academy invites all people, with or without O-levels as well as degree holders who have a dilemma or are unsure of what career path to pursue to visit their offices on 3rd Floor, Haddon and Sly building, corner Fife street and 8th avenue for FREE career guidance. Alternatively, write to: [email protected] or WhatsApp 0712212179
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