The main objective of this research is to discover the factors influencing pupils at a specific school in their choice of subjects, and to ascertain as far as possible the effect of the various factors. A questionnaire was set for all the pupils and this was followed up with personal interviews. The following are the most important conclusions drawn: 1. Parents, a respected relative or a friend who has achieved success in a certain vocation have the greatest influence on a pupil. This is followed in diminishing order of influence by school friend~ brothers and sisters, the teacher of a favourite subject, the guidance teacher, the principal and the class teacher. 2. Parents and friends exercise greater influence on the choice of subjects by U-course pupils and E-course pupils respectively. 3. As regards the subjects chosen, the incentive is either interest or usefulness in a future career. The research made it clear that the following should receive prompt attention1 1. Objective information about the content and value of subjects, as well as the implications of chosen courses should be made more readily available to the public, while specialists appointed by the Education Department should discuss the possibilities of each in the press or on the radio. When television is available this can figure prominently. 2. Sufficient and well trained counsellors and guidance teachers with the main responsibility of giving fundamental scientific guidance regarding choice of subjects, courses and careers, should be appointed. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO

The main objective of this research is to discover the factors influencing pupils at a specific school in their choice of subjects, and to ascertain as far as possible the effect of the various factors. A questionnaire was set for all the pupils and this was followed up with personal interviews. The following are the most important conclusions drawn: 1. Parents, a respected relative or a friend who has achieved success in a certain vocation have the greatest influence on a pupil. This is followed in diminishing order of influence by school friend~ brothers and sisters, the teacher of a favourite subject, the guidance teacher, the principal and the class teacher. 2. Parents and friends exercise greater influence on the choice of subjects by U-course pupils and E-course pupils respectively. 3. As regards the subjects chosen, the incentive is either interest or usefulness in a future career. The research made it clear that the following should receive prompt attention1 1. Objective information about the content and value of subjects, as well as the implications of chosen courses should be made more readily available to the public, while specialists appointed by the Education Department should discuss the possibilities of each in the press or on the radio. When television is available this can figure prominently. 2. Sufficient and well trained counsellors and guidance teachers with the main responsibility of giving fundamental scientific guidance regarding choice of subjects, courses and careers, should be appointed. / Thesis (MEd)--PU vir CHO