Mr Piccoli escorted by Member for Kiama Gareth Ward called in to Illaroo Road and Bomaderry public schools as well as Bomaderry High School.

Mr Ward said when he was asked by the minister which schools to visit his former high school of Bomaderry was top of his list.

“I got a good education at this school,” Mr Ward said.

“Bomaderry High School is just as good as any school in the state, including independent schools.

“I couldn’t be prouder,” Mr Ward said.

While on his visit Mr Piccoli spoke with students about their subject choices and in particular about maths.

He wanted to know the students’ views on making maths a compulsory subject.

The majority of students believed it should be.

Mr Piccoli also spoke with two maths teachers who made it clear there was too much to teach in too little time. 

• See page 8 for more on the minister’s visit.