Your Compass showed which Career Worlds light you up. This Lab turns that into your Grade 10 subject decision — which doors stay open, which close, and how to choose with your family and school.
This is a planning guide, not a final answer, and not a career test. It helps you ask better questions and keep good options open. Your final subjects should be chosen with your family, your Life Orientation teacher, and your school's actual subject list.
Step 1 · The gate checker
Which doors do you want to keep open?
Tick any route you might want later — even if you're not sure. Some university and college routes have hard gates: without the right Grade 10–12 subjects, the door is closed before you apply. We'll show you what to protect.
⚠️ The Maths vs Mathematical Literacy choice is the single biggest decision at Grade 10. Mathematical Literacy is a real, valuable subject — but it closes university doors in engineering, computing, most sciences, and accounting. Pure Mathematics keeps the widest range of routes open, even if it feels harder. You usually cannot switch back easily later.
💰 Worried about cost? Many of these routes can be supported by NSFAS if you qualify — check nsfas.org.za. NSFAS does not cover private colleges.
Step 2 · Rate the subjects
How do these Grade 10 subjects feel?
For each subject, rate how much you enjoy it, how confident you feel, and how willing you are to work hard at it. Then flip the switch if your school actually offers it — no recommendation counts if your school doesn't teach the subject.
💡 A subject you enjoy and are willing to work hard at usually beats one you're just good at. Confidence grows with effort.
Step 3 · Explore real programmes
What could these subjects lead to?
Real 2027-cycle examples from South African institutions, matched to your top worlds. Every requirement below is an official minimum found — never a promise of admission. Institutions set their own rules and meeting the minimum does not guarantee a place.
🌍 Every card shows at least one alternative pathway — a TVET / NC(V), University of Technology, or private college route. University is one good path, never the only one.
These ~18 programmes are representative examples to show how gates work — not a complete national database. Always confirm current requirements on the institution's own website before deciding.
Step 4 · Decision matrix
Compare 2–3 subject packages
Name a couple of possible Grade 10 subject packages, then score each one honestly. The highest total is a good starting point for the conversation — not an order.
A high score isn't a decision — it's evidence. Take your top package to your family and Life Orientation teacher and ask: "Does our school offer this, and does it keep my doors open?"
Step 5 · Your planning summary
Your provisional subject plan
A snapshot to take into the conversation with your family and school. Nothing here is locked in — it's your evidence, gathered by you.
🗣️ Notes from a parent, guardian or teacher
Optional — write down what the adults in your life said, or questions you still want to ask.
✅ Before you finalise: confirm your school offers these subjects, check the current requirements on each institution's website, and remember late subject changes are limited — so choose carefully now.
SPARK Explorer · De Vlamingh & Associates Consulting CC. A planning guide to support self-aware subject choices — it does not promise or guarantee any career outcome. All your answers stay on this device (POPIA-safe) and are never sent anywhere.
