1. The workload and difficulty level of certain subjects

I wish I had understood how different the workload can be from one subject to another. Some subjects demand consistent practice and studying (Pure Maths/Physics), while others are more about understanding concepts (Business Studies/Life Orientation). At first, I thought I could manage everything easily, but I quickly learned that some subjects require much more time and consistency than I expected. Knowing this beforehand would’ve helped me plan my schedule better and manage my time so I didn’t feel so overwhelmed during tests/exams.

2. Balancing interest and difficulty

Another thing I wish I knew before choosing my grade 10 subjects is that liking a subject isn’t always enough, and finding it hard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it either. Some subjects I found interesting turned out to be tougher than I expected, while others that seemed boring at first were quite manageable. I’ve learned that it’s important to balance what you enjoy with what you can realistically handle, and to think about how much effort you’re willing to put in to keep up with something challenging.

3. Listening to teachers’ advice and paying attention to results

I also wish I had paid more attention to the advice my teachers gave me and to my grade 9 results. My marks and the placement tests were meant to guide me toward subjects that suited my strengths, but I didn’t take them as seriously as I should have. For example, my results showed that I might do better in Mathematical Literacy rather than Pure Maths, but I decided to take Pure Maths anyway. Looking back, I realize that teachers give that advice for a reason, they understand the demands of each subject and want to help you make choices that set you up for success.

4. The impact of subject choices on stress, time management, and balance

I wish I had thought more about how my subject choices would affect my overall workload and stress levels. Some subjects require a lot of extra time for studying, projects, or revision, which can make it harder to balance school with sports, hobbies, or rest. There were times when I felt overwhelmed because I had taken several demanding subjects at once. Looking back, I’ve realized how important it is to choose a combination that challenges you but still allows you to manage your time well and maintain a healthy balance between school and everything else in life.

5. Choosing subjects you’re passionate about

One thing I’ve learned is how important it is to choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and feel passionate about. It’s much easier to stay motivated when you actually care about what you’re learning. When you pick subjects just because you think they’ll look good later or because others expect you to, it can become harder to stay focused and enthusiastic, especially when the work gets tough. Passion makes a big difference, it keeps you curious, helps you push through challenges, and can even shape your future goals in ways you might not expect.