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Key Findings
Advanced Mathematics Exodus: More than 8,000 students abandoned Advanced Mathematics during the last Higher School Certificate (HSC) cycle. This represents about one-third of the total state enrollment for the subject dropping out between Year 11 and Year 12.
Broad STEM Decline: The “dumping” of difficult subjects isn’t limited to math. More than 25% of Year 11 students enrolled in Physics, Chemistry, and Engineering dropped those courses before entering their final year.
Official Data: These figures were released by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), sparking concerns about student engagement with rigorous academic paths.
The report suggests a growing shift in how students prioritize their subjects as they approach their final exams, often opting for less demanding courses to manage their workload or maximize their marks.
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