New data from the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute has revealed Year 12 students are moving away from studying the highest level of maths.

The numbers in Queensland show a drop in 10 per cent from 2019 to only 5.9 per cent last year.

High school maths teacher Tom Carroll, who teaches at Marymount College, has been teaching the subject for 26 years.

He says some students feel they don’t need a high level of mathematics, such as specialist mathematics, for their career ambitions.

“It’s easy to pass the buck as well, this is the thing I’ve had issues with over the years,” he told Bill McDonald, filling in on 4BC Drive.

“I’ve taught from Year 7 to Year 12, we are connected to a primary school and when you get everyone on the same page and you strengthen those foundations, yes … you can unlock that special talent in a student.”

Press PLAY to hear his thoughts on inspiring a new generation of students

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