Choosing your Options

This year in 2023, we will be selecting our options slightly later than we have in previous years. We want to have a more accurate idea of what courses will be most suitable for you in 2024. As a result, we are going to open up option choices in Term 4. This is so we can use the results of your preliminary exams at the end of Term 3 to help determine which subjects are most suited for you in 2024.  To find out WHEN your NCEA  exams are click here.

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. 

We strongly recommend that all students select either General Science or Advanced Science in Year 11. This keeps further 'science' options like Chemistry, Physics and Biology open in Year 12 and 13. Year 10/11 students who still feel uncertain about what career they would like to do should take General Science (L1GSC) in order to keep this option open. Click here for more info.

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 with 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 or you can make contact with Mr. Cowie who is in charge of the timetable. 

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

In 2024, we will set up a 'stand alone' area on Schoolpoint for you to select extra-curricular and co-curricular activities. Please click here to complete this form for 2023 (even if you did not do any co-curricular activities or sports)

Extra-Curricular in 2023