What Subjects To Choose In Senior High School
My name is Denzil. I've graduated from an Australian high school in 2022. I'm going to explain the Senior Subjects I chose.
A retrospect.
What Subjects Did I Choose?
From the two pathways, I chose the one that gave me the most challenge in the subjects I was genuinely interested in.
You will see from my subjects: General English, Mathematical Methods, Mathematical Specialists, Digital Solutions, Modern History, Japanese.
Why No Science?
Correct, I did not choose Science. During my Junior years of high school, I always disregarded the hard sciences.
"Why am I conducting experiments that have already been conducted and concluded?"
After done with schooling, I have a new perspective on Science. It's roots are deeply foundational in the study of physical reality that manifests itself from God Himself.
Arguably, entering into the business world of sales and marketing, I'm much more interested in what guide people, make people tick or compel them forward.
Then, what about Mathematics?
What's the saying? Mathematics is God's language. And I will say this, there is absolutely prestige in studying Specialist Mathematics. But, if you want to study the subject purely for prestige, you won't last long.
I think, learning to enjoy getting through a lot of content, and difficult subject matter at that is what made it enjoyable.
The success felt earnt.
To me, it's studying another language which I find myself doing a lot. Whether being conscious of how language is the filter we use to perceive reality. Japanese as another culture's perception of reality.
Maybe this attempt to understand people derived from my natural personality of being more observant and conscious.
The "Social" Sciences
I liked arguing. Never enough to join the debating competitions.
Modern History in particular I characterise as the subject of understanding why people made their decisions.
The particular topics I was incredibly interested was the Russian Revolution. The idea of an ideology taking hold of a nation, creating the insurmountable pain and suffering caused in striving for a Communist paradise.
In the historical essays, I liked making arguments and connections. Corroboration and making a stronger case.
It's strange because throughout my schooling I never would characterise myself as an extrovert interested in people. Perhaps, because the subject involved historical figures who had direct influence over the course of history gave that attraction.
(Now older, I definitely see my interest for people shine through)
Why Not Literature?
I think a tragedy of my experience as a reader is not reading enough fiction. The only real fiction series I finished from start to finish is Alex Rider. Only after borrowing a graphic novel for 'Eagle Strike' during primary school.
This is why I think I'm a weak story teller. Not enough references to create a model of viewing the world through the lenses of narrative.
At the moment, I'm reading Dostoevsky's Crime & Punishment. Now THAT'S a book.
(Again, Russian subject matter)
As humans, we love the idea of agency. The ability to choose using our own free-will. I feared if I was to do literature I'd be forced to read novels I didn't enjoy.
That "Fun" Subject
Our Senior Japanese teacher said it's a good idea to have at least one subject that's fun.
For me, it was Japanese and Digital Solutions. I think, having the mix of subject where you can have fun lightens the burden of studying five other Senior subjects.
What factors made these classes fun?
Japanese:
- Small class (18 people)
- Great teacher
- Best friend was in the same class
- More agency over the work (our teacher had to teach both Grade 11 & 12 content)
Digital Solutions:
- All the boys took the class
- Great teacher
- More agency over the work (completing tasks and assignments on our own)
As we can see the commonalities is having:
- Friends in the same class
- Awesome teachers
- Agency over the work
What Should You Choose?
I'm not here to give advice. I think weigh up the options. See what you're interested in.
BONUS: Choose The Spare Study Class
So, you had 6 ATAR subject and a spare.
You can choose as spare study time, or go down a sport. Doing the harder Mathematics, I'm glad that I had those two spare 70 minute slots to complete homework and study.