Federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne is raising the concept with state government ministers on Friday in a move to boost attendance in the subjects, which he said have experienced a decline in students.

Charles Sturt University executive dean of the faculty of education Professor Toni Downes said making the subjects compulsory would be good provided they remain relevant to students and do not deter them from completing their studies.

“If you have to do it they have to have a way of designing courses for students who would not really choose it,” Professor Downes said.

She said it was important that the subjects do not become a turn-off or cause for anxiety for students if they struggled through them in years 7 to 10.

Professor Downes said it was also important they are relevant to people who may want to take up nursing or hairdressing and help students understand budgeting and be able to make informed decisions in the future. 

Professor Downes said it would also benefit university subjects such as teaching, or it could come in handy if people decide to change careers 10 years down the track.

James Sheahan Catholic High School principal Mark Pauschmann said about 90 per cent of year 11 and 12 students already study maths at the school and about 70 per cent study a science subject, which he said were healthy numbers.

Year 11 and 12 English is already compulsory in NSW and Mr Pauschmann said religion was also compulsory at his school but although there is a strong take-up of maths and science subjects, there was also balance with some students also studying humanities and arts based subjects. 

However, he also questioned how additional teachers and resources such as science labs would be provided and funded.

“How are they going to support it, at the moment they say there’s not enough maths and science teachers in the country, if they make it compulsory, where will the teachers come from,” Mr Pauschmann said. 

tanya.marschke@fairfaxmedia.com.au