An extensive body of research exists regarding the factors that influence students’ decisions to
study mathematics in senior years. Additionally, there is a significant body of research concerning
student enrolments into mathematics courses and the trends and patterns that emerge as a result.
However, little research has been performed concerning the influence of parents’ culture on students’
decisions to study mathematics, and in particular higher-level mathematics. This research explores and
considers students’ cultural backgrounds and the factors that affect students’ mathematics choices and
examines how this information can provide insight for principals, teachers schools and educational
systems in encouraging and promoting mathematics education in New South Wales and abroad.