Core subjects

In formal education English, Maths & Science are considered core subjects.

The way I explained to someone was that any language, Maths & Science is the basis of knowledge development. One can probably prepare for a History / Geography exam by studying in the last 2 weeks prior to exam . But can any one do that for Math? or English. These subjects are to be imbibed & practiced. The knowledge of these is built block by block from Kindergarten days.

There is a bit of Science in Geography when they learn about types of rain. And their is Math in History when they speak of army formations. There is Chemistry & Physics in understanding erosion of coastlines. There is loads of mathematical applications in Astronomy. There is a lot of Geometry in Art and the world without languages, we cannot imagine. There is load of scientific principles in learning to swim.

If you want you will see angles & symmetry ( Read Geometry ) in Yoga postures.

You will see statistical patters in warming up, running & cooling down

In PE great emphasis is laid on developing the core muscles, which are used in every kind of workout. (May be that is why they are called CORE)

There is Chemistry in cooking as well as in bathing with a soap.

We are surrounded by Math & Science. We are also surrounded by Art & Music, but they don't provide answers and solutions the way Math & SCiences do 

A language provides a means of communication. Science and Math provide answers to everything else.

Learning or teaching Math or Science would not be possible with a language!