Choosing subject combinations for grade 10: Don't 'go astray'

GD&TĐ - Many high schools in Ho Chi Minh City have organized parent-teacher meetings at the beginning of the year to introduce the 2018 General Education Program and guide students on how to choose subject combinations in grade 10.

This year, the school has carefully implemented the subject combination consultation to help students quickly determine their high school study path.

Various forms of consulting

From the beginning of July 2025, high schools in Ho Chi Minh City organized admissions consulting programs to introduce to parents and students about to enter grade 10 in the 2025-2026 school year about the curriculum, plans to organize elective subjects, and study topics at the school.

In addition to some general consultation sessions, the units also divided into separate consultation sessions so that each student and parent could clearly understand the 2018 General Education Program and the school'seducation program. By carefully researching and updating information on school admissions, competency assessment exams and high school graduation, the staff and teachers promptly answered questions from parents and students.

At Nguyen Thai Binh High School (Tan Hoa Ward), Ms. Doan Thi Thu Hoai - Principal of the school said that through the counseling sessions that have just been held, students have not yet oriented their future careers, so they are confused in determining the subjects to choose at high school level. Therefore, in addition to organizing general counseling, this unit also established a counseling team consisting of a professional team leader and experienced teachers to promptly support students based on their abilities and future career orientation so that they have a basis to choose the subjects of their choice.

Similarly, this form is applied by Nguyen Cong Tru High School (Thong Tay Hoi Ward). Ms. Ly Thi Hong Tham - Vice Principal of the school said that this year, the counseling activities are organized in the form of general counseling, and are also assigned to subject groups. Particularly in the form at the subject counseling room, students have the opportunity to learn about the specific subjects, teaching materials, and university admissions for each specific group of majors, helping them make choices that are appropriate to their abilities and future career orientation.

At Phu Nhuan High School (Duc Nhuan Ward), in the 2025-2026 school year, this unit organizes 9 groups of elective subjects. After submitting the admission application, students and parents are advised to choose a group of subjects that suit the students' abilities and interests, then register 3 wishes for the desired subject combination. Based on the registration results, the school will conduct the first class placement, and students and parents can adjust their registered wishes.

Mr. Tran Cong Tuan - Principal of the school said: "Students have two considerations before deciding to register for a subject combination in grade 10. This is to minimize the situation of changing subjects due to inappropriateness".

As for Vo Truong Toan High School (Tan Thoi Hiep Ward), in the 2025-2026 school year, for the first time, 10th grade students will be allowed to register for free combinations. Specifically, the school suggests 7 available combinations, but students can register for more if needed. The school will arrange "running" classes to best meet students' wishes. In case students change their wishes, by the end of the 10th grade school year, the school will announce the subject conversion plan.

Photo illustration INT.

Be careful when changing subject combinations.

In the 2025-2026 school year, the 2018 General Education Program will be implemented at the high school level. Accordingly, students will study 8 compulsory subjects and choose 4 out of 9 elective subjects based on their abilities and career orientation. However, many students and parents are still wondering about registering for elective subjects.

Nguyen Duy Lam, who was admitted to Vo Truong Toan High School, said: “Although the school advised me to choose a subject combination for grade 10, I have not been able to make a final decision yet. From the second week of July, the school will start accepting admission applications, including registration forms for choosing subject combinations. I plan to choose a combination of Physics and Chemistry, but I need more time to think carefully because this will affect my future career orientation. I will take another test, and only after I have the results will I consider and make a final decision.”

Mr. Truong Quoc Dinh - a parent whose child is entering grade 10 at Ten Lo Man High School (Ben Thanh Ward) shared that he personally learned and learned about the 2018 General Education Program for High School with a new point that in addition to compulsory subjects, students can choose elective subjects based on their interests, abilities and career orientation to study for 3 years. Therefore, choosing the right elective subject plays an extremely important role, helping children study well during their high school years.

“Initially, my child chose the subject group A00. However, after the consultation at school, my child and I have not made a final decision,” said Mr. Dinh.

According to Ms. Do Thi Viet Phuong - Vice Principal of Vo Truong Toan High School, students who are strong in natural subjects, logical thinking, and sensitive to numbers can choose the natural group. Students who are strong in social and artistic subjects can consider social classes. In case students do not find the suggested classes suitable, they can present their own options, and the school will consider and review them. Choosing a subject is very important because it will affect their studies for 3 years.

Therefore, students should not rush, need to consult their 9th grade teachers and family to make a decision; do not choose subjects based on friends, must decide their own direction. “Normally, students can only switch from natural to social, not vice versa. Therefore, students must think carefully. Avoid the situation of discovering that the combination they chose cannot be considered for admission to their favorite university major when they are in 12th grade. At that time, the school will no longer allow conversion,” said Ms. Phuong.

Mr. Nguyen Hung Khuong - Principal of Ten Lo Man High School said that 10th grade students are in the stage of orienting their future careers, so choosing a combination of subjects is important for them in the university entrance exam later. Many parents and students are worried about the ability to adjust and change their elective subjects after a period of actual study if they feel they are not suitable.

“In fact, when students want to change subjects, the school will create conditions for them to review and supplement their knowledge. After that, students take a competency assessment test, and if they pass, they will be allowed to change. However, this is a bit difficult because students will have to interrupt their knowledge and retake the course in a short time. Therefore, students need to think carefully about changing their chosen subjects. But no matter what they choose, during the learning process, students must make every effort to achieve their dreams,” Mr. Khuong emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Tai - Principal of Tran Quang Khai High School ( Hoa Binh Ward) emphasized: "Parents should not impose their personal wishes on their children. Parents can discuss and analyze the direction suitable to their family conditions and their children's abilities, but still let them choose.

Students need to base their choice on their career orientation. Students who want to study a major or go to a university must learn about the admission combination in advance. Currently, universities have announced the admission plan according to the 2018 General Education Program.

Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/chon-to-hop-mon-lop-10-khong-de-chech-huong-post739112.html