HOME economic classes at high schools have had a bit of a rebirth, thanks to cooking shows like My Kitchen Rules and MasterChef.

Mackay North State High School acting head of home economics Romana Wallace said they had experienced an increase in students wanting to take up food major subjects.

"Our numbers are fairly high at the moment," she said. "They (the students) are getting more full-on about the plating up and presentation of food because we now eat with our eyes and they realise that."

Students keen to follow the example of amateur chefs like Queensland's Dan and Steph are also signing up in droves to compete in the Rotary Young Chefs competition.

Ms Wallace said students competed in heats at their own schools then went on to the finals, which are held at TAFE. The competition, which was running long before competition cooking shows became in vogue, will take place next month.

At the Mackay final, students will need to prepare a $30 two-course main meal and dessert for two within two hours. They will be judged on the nutritional balance of the dishes, imagination, organisation and taste.