Students select subjects while in the lower forms in secondary schools. Somehow, subjects selected, influence their choice of careers in future. For instance, without choosing Physics alongside other critical cluster subjects, a student may not be able to pursue engineering as a course.
Group of Subjects
Subjects in 8-4-4 System feature in 5 Groups. Group 1 comprise three compulsory subjects (English Kiswahili and Mathematics). Group 2 has Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics). Group 3 has humanities or arts such as Christian Religious Education (CRE), Islamic Religious Education (IRE), Hindu Religious Education (HRE), Geography, History and Government. Group 4 has Technical subjects like Home Science, Agriculture, Computer Studies, Aviation Technology, Woodwork, Metalwork, Electricity, Power Mechanics, Building and Construction, Art, Drawing and Design. Group 5 enshrines Business Studies, Kenya Sign Language, Music, Arabic, German and French.
Factors Influencing Subject Selection
Again, there are factors students should consider while selecting subjects. The first one is academic performance. None should select a subject where the performance is poor. The second factor is the dream career. For instance, when a student yearns to pursue medical courses, then Biology and Chemistry as Sciences plus core-cluster subjects should never miss in that serious selection exercise.
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The third factor is the school selection policy. Schools have a tendency of making some subjects compulsory. That means; come rain, come shine – students cannot escape from including them in their selection basket. The fourth factor focuses on KCSE requirements. During selection, students should make informed choices. In this exercise, ignorance is a disease, while knowledge is medicine. Advisedly, consult widely. I can say in this essay, choices made at this age or stage are critical. Bad choices invite future guilt and regret.
The Selection Criteria
According to The Essential Career Guide by KUCCPS and Discover Your Career Workbook published by Story Moja, authors share a good guide on how select subjects. Over and above, students must take note of the school selection policy.
Selection Pitfalls to Shun
There are pitfalls students should shun. For instance, it is wrong to select a subject due to whims of peer pressure. It is wrong to listen to discouragements from friends and relatives. It is wrong to focus on the family academic history. It is misguided to select a subject like Geography because it has trips and tours. It is wrong to pick Home Science because there will be some eating. It is wrong to select a subject because the teacher looks funny or friendly. It is wrong to select a subject simply because it looks easy. Nothing is easy. Nothing is difficult. Every subject requires a lot of effort. In case you want to pick what is under the bed, you must bend.
By Victor Ochieng’
The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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