The John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation offers learning options in both the technical and services fields.

The John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation offers learning options in Senior Phase and FET Phase.

GRADE 8 & 9
GENERAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (GET)

In the GET phase (Grades 8 & 9) the following nine subjects are compulsory:
•    English Home Language (Compulsory)
•    Afrikaans or IsiZulu FAL (Optional)
•    Mathematics
•    Natural Science
•    Social Science
•    Life Orientation
•    Civil Technology (New Vocational Subject)
•    Electrical Technology (New Vocational Subject)
•    Mechanical Technology (New Vocational Subject)

As of 2025 Creative Arts, Technology and EMS will be phased out.

At the Senior Phase level learners will do a maximum of nine subjects.

GRADE 10, 11 and 12
FURTHER EDUCATION AND TRAINING (FET)

In order to obtain the NSC (National Senior Certificate) a learner must have completed the internal and external assessment requirements in no fewer than seven subjects as offered by this school.

John Orr ESOS is equipped and staffed to offer the Engineering and Technology or Services Learning Fields.

There are, however, limitations on the number of learners who can be accommodated in certain subjects.
 
In the FET phase (Grades 10 – 12) the following core subjects are compulsory for ALL learners irrespective of the Learning Field chosen:
•    English on Home Language level
•    Afrikaans or IsiZulu are the only First Additional subjects available at this school
•    Life Orientation.

In addition to these subjects, a choice of one of the following three technical subjects will be offered:
•    Civil Technology or
•    Electrical Technology or
•    Mechanical Technology

In addition to these subjects, a combination of two of the following subjects will be offered:
•    Mathematics and Physical Science
•    Technical Mathematics and Technical Science
•    Mathematics and Technical Science

A learner following the Engineering and Technology course must also take Physical Science and Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD), coupled with a choice of one of the three technical subjects listed above.

A learner following the Services course will take the four core subjects listed below as well as Accounting, Business Studies and Hospitality Studies:
•    English on Home Language level
•    Afrikaans or IsiZulu are the only First Additional subjects available at this school
•    Mathematics
•    Life Orientation.

At the FET level learners will do a maximum of seven subjects.