Subject Selection

WSCW Subject Selection for 2027

• • Research jobs on Career Central "JobDatabase" then view Entry Requirements for jobs.

  • All About University in NZ Aotearoa - What to Study and Where?

  • Trades  have pathways via Apprenticeships- (many, including building, plumbing, electrical)

  • Mathematics, English, a Science recommended up to  Level 2 NCEA, Physics Level 2 NCEA recommended for Electrical apprenticeship

  • Level 3 Pre-apprenticeship courses - 4 years at Secondary School - Check websites

Universities Recommended Subject guides

Year 13 Checklist - If going to University. Rank Score & University Entrance explained here 

  WSCW General Guide to Choosing Subjects

Six Steps to Making Your Decision

Step 1: Don’t rush. Take time to know your options; changing subjects later can be difficult.

Step 2: Subjects are listed under TEACHING and LEARNING on the WSCW website. 

Check Year Level Course Books for;

• description and course structure, equipment and costs and prerequisites.

• assessment methods and emphasis. 

• when it is necessary to talk to subject teachers and Heads of Houses about any of the above.

Step 3: Assess your abilities and interests. Focus on your strengths like writing, numeracy or practical skills. Identify subjects you genuinely enjoy. Remember hard work and perseverance are required to master a subject.

Step 4: Look at future demand. Check immigration skill shortage lists. Consider the impact of technology and the growing need for transferable soft skills.

Step 5: Diversify your research. Look at services websites such as Police, Fire, and Defence Force, read newspaper or online articles, and talk to people with industry, training, or work experience.

Step 6: Keep options open. If unsure, keep your subject base broad. Do as well as you can in Maths and English as they are essential for most careers, and think carefully before dropping any science.

Year 11 and 12 Decision Checklist

• Do you know what you need to achieve NCEA Levels 2, 3, and University Entrance?

• Have you considered work experience options through Gateway?

• Are you intending to return for Year 13?

• For the job or training ideas you currently have, do you know their prerequisites?

• Have you discussed these choices with parents, whānau, coaches and teachers?

Specific Course Prerequisites and Requirements

Trades and Apprenticeships

• General Trades: Maths, English, and a Science recommended up to Level 2 (Year 12).

• Electrical Apprenticeship:  Physics at Level 2 recommended.

• Level 3 Pre-apprenticeship and other L3 and 4 courses: Usually need 4 years at Secondary School. Sometimes academic entry requirements apply - check on websites; MIT, Unitec, NZMA and Skills Institute NZ

Specific Degree Programmes

• Medicine: Pathways have recently been updated. Recommended Year 12 - all 3 sciences plus Maths. Year 13 requires some senior sciences, depending on UOA Science Major (See Pg 7 here). Note that the UoA Bachelor of Health Science pathway does not require Physics. Otago take all 3 sciences to L3. Waikato has a post-graduate pathway with rural focus from 2027.

• Engineering: Year 12 take Advanced Maths plus Physics. Year 13 take Calculus and Physics.

• Veterinary Science at Massey: Year 13 - 14 to 20 credits in Chemistry and Biology. Year 12 - 14 to 20 credits in Maths and/or Physics. Vet requires 40 hours of vet clinic work experience before the pre-selection semester.

• Bachelor of Health Science at UoA: Check the website for recently changed pre-medicine pathways.

• Primary Teaching: Year 12 Maths is strongly recommended because a Level 2 NCEA standard entry test is now required.

Career Tools and University Guides

• Career Central: Check JobDatabase, then How to Enter Job. Take the Future Assessment Bullseye quiz, click SEE MORE, and Explore Jobs by Pathway.

• General Info and Pathways: Research on Tahatū and find where school subjects can take you via the online tools.

• University Subject Guides and NCEA Entry/Rank Scores: Review the online guides for AUT, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Lincoln, Canterbury plus the 2027 Prospectus, Otago, and Auckland, noting the science changes from 2027 at UoA.

• Year 13: Double-check your final requirements for University Entrance to ensure you have chosen university-approved subjects.

Important Reminders

• Separate your subject choices from your friends’ choices; it is your future to consider.

• If you need more help, make an appointment to talk with your school Career Advisor.