Australia Behind in Maths & Science

A boost is needed if Australia is to compete with science focused countries, a recent report has stated. The report released by the Australian Council of Learned Academics recommends introducing maths as a compulsory subject throughout high school, stronger prior condition requirements for university and the recruitment of science Ph.D. graduates into teaching. With countries like China and India building larger intensive knowledge based economies the report said that Australia needed to “lift its game” in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects. Peter Andrews, former Queensland chief scientist, stated, “the proportion of Australians graduating from universities in mathematics and statistics is less than the OECD average”.]]>