Maths or science would become compulsory for all year 11 and 12 students under a plan being pushed by federal Education Minister Christopher Pyne.

It comes as concerns continue to be raised about a declining number of students studying maths and science during their final years of high school.

A maths or science unit would be compulsory in the last years of high school under the proposal. Credit:Rob Homer

Mr Pyne will call for the changes at an Education Council Meeting with state education ministers on Friday, pointing out that Australia's performance in international testing is slipping.

Results from the most recent Programme for International Student Assessment tests showed that Australian students' achievements in maths and science have slumped over the past decade.