Profile choice havo and vwo.

In the third year of havo and vwo, students choose a profile. There are four different profiles, but combinations are also possible. Some further education courses require a specific subject or profile. It is important to consider this when choosing a profile.

The four profiles

There is a choice of four different profiles. In addition, a choice is made for one or two profile elective subjects. Every secondary school offers all four profiles. These are the four profiles:

Science and technology: this profile requires the subjects mathematics B, physics and chemistry. In addition, there is a choice of one of the following profile elective subjects: nature, life and technology, computer science, biology or mathematics D.
Science and health: this profile requires the subjects mathematics A, biology and chemistry. In addition, there is a choice of one of the following profile elective subjects: nature, life and technology, geography or physics.
Economics and society: this profile requires the subjects mathematics A, economics and history. In addition, there is a choice of one of the following profile elective subjects: management and organisation, geography, social sciences or a modern foreign language.
Culture and society: this profile requires history. At havo a modern foreign language is also required, at vwo mathematics C is required. In addition, there is a choice of two profile elective subjects. The first choice is between geography, social sciences or economics. For the second profile elective subject the choice is between arts subjects, philosophy or a modern foreign language.

The school does not have to offer all profile elective subjects. Check carefully which profile elective subjects are possible. Sometimes the choice of a certain elective subject means that in fact two profiles are followed. Both profiles are then listed on the diploma.

The profile choice

It is difficult for many children to choose from the different profiles. There are some important things to think about when choosing:

Which subjects does the child like;
In which subjects does a child get good grades;
Which further education does the child want to go to, or which direction does the child want to take;
Which elective subjects does the school offer besides the profile.

The mentor can help with the choice of a profile. A profile choice test can also help.

Elective subjects

Besides the profile elective subjects, a child also chooses a subject in the free part. The school decides which elective subjects it offers. The range of elective subjects can depend on the profile choice. This often has to do with the timetable. Sometimes participation in an elective subject also depends on the number of registrations. This is allowed if the school informs parents and children in advance.

The common part

Besides the profile subjects, all children also take the subjects from the common part. These are Dutch, English, arithmetic, social studies, cultural and artistic education or classical cultural education, physical education and at vwo a second modern foreign language. Every child also has to do a profile project.

Additional requirements by the school

Some schools set additional requirements to do a certain profile. For the science and technology profile, for example, an average of at least 6.7 in mathematics, chemistry and physics is required. Schools can set extra requirements if they are clear in advance for parents and children.

Further education

The profile choice is important for further education. A study at university or higher professional education requires specific prior knowledge. A certain profile or subject can be required to enter the study. It is therefore wise to consider this when choosing a profile.