Choosing subjects at the end of Grade 9 can feel like standing at a crossroads with no clear signposts. Parents want to make the right decision, schools have their expectations, and students often feel caught in the middle. And when it comes to maths, the pressure can be overwhelming. But does every student really need to take pure maths?

There’s a long-standing belief that pure maths is the golden ticket to success, but that’s not always true. Professor Zak Nel, a well-respected counselling psychologist, offers some sound advice—if your child’s combined Grade 9 English and maths marks don’t add up to at least 120, it might be time to consider Maths Literacy instead. And no, it’s not a cop-out; it’s a smart move for many students.

Maths Literacy: A Smarter, Not Softer, Option

Sylvia Eppel, a maths and science tutor, has seen it all—students staring blankly at their textbooks, parents wringing their hands, and the sheer frustration of battling numbers daily. “So many kids push through pure maths because they think they have to, and it ends up being a constant source of stress,” she says. “A B in Maths Lit will open more doors than an F in Maths. Simple.”



Maths Literacy is often misunderstood. It’s not a shortcut; it’s practical maths for real life. Think budgeting, understanding interest rates, and problem-solving—skills that matter in everyday situations. For careers in business, marketing, or the arts, these are the maths skills that actually get used.

The Bigger Picture

Many parents worry that opting for Maths Literacy will somehow limit their child’s future. But let’s be honest—when was the last time anyone outside of engineering needed to calculate the surface area of a cone? Universities and employers are increasingly looking at the overall matric certificate, not just one subject. A solid pass in Maths Literacy, combined with good marks in other subjects, is far more valuable than scraping through pure maths and carrying the stress that comes with it.

Professor Nel puts it bluntly: “Your child’s self-esteem and overall performance are what count. Pushing them into subjects they aren’t wired for does more harm than good.”

Signs That Maths Literacy Might Be the Right Choice

How do you know if your child should consider Maths Literacy? Here are a few telltale signs:

• They break into a cold sweat at the sight of an equation.
• No matter how much extra help they get, their grades stay stuck in the danger zone.
• They’re more likely to understand the maths behind their shopping budget than a quadratic function.
• Their career dreams have nothing to do with engineering or finance.

Choosing Maths Literacy can ease the pressure and free up time and energy to focus on subjects they actually enjoy—and that might just lead to better results across the board.

Future-Proofing Without the Panic

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking pure maths is a must-have, but success isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. If your child dreams of studying law, journalism, or hospitality, Maths Literacy is more than enough to get them there. The key is to focus on where they shine, rather than where they struggle.

Sylvia encourages parents to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. “Forcing a child to take pure maths when it’s not their strength only sets them up for frustration. Rather focus on their talents and build from there.”

Making the Decision Easier

Subject choices shouldn’t be made in a panic. Take the time to talk to teachers, tutors, and career guidance counsellors who can provide honest insights. Psychometric tests can help, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. What really matters is finding a balance between what your child enjoys and what will set them up for success.

At the end of the day, the goal is to ensure your child finishes school feeling confident, capable, and ready for what’s next. So, before you insist on that pure maths path, consider whether it’s the best fit—or if there’s a smarter way forward.