Go directly to content

Press Releases

December 10, 2008

Singapore Performs Well Again in Latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007

Singapore has once again performed well in the latest Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2007, emerging 1st in Science at both Primary 4 and Secondary 2, 2nd in Mathematics at Primary 4 and 3rd in Mathematics at Secondary 21. (see Tables A1 - A2 in Annex A (92kb .pdf))

Since 1995, Singapore has ranked within the top 3 positions with the exception of Primary 4 Science (ranked 7th) in 1995. The TIMSS 2007 results, released by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA)2, reaffirm the high quality of Mathematics and Science education in Singapore and the conducive school environment available for our students and teachers.

A total of 59 different education systems participated in TIMSS 2007. A representative sample of our students - about 6500 Primary 4 students and 6000 Secondary 2 students from all primary and secondary schools in Singapore - participated in the TIMSS 2007 assessment from October to November 2006. Background information on the study is found in Annex B (32kb .pdf).

Key Findings

Student Performance

Singapore had the largest proportions of highly competent students who reached the advanced benchmark3 in Primary 4 Science (36%), Secondary 2 Science (32%) and Primary 4 Mathematics (41%). For Secondary 2 Mathematics, Singapore’s proportion was the 3rd highest (40%) (behind Chinese Taipei and Korea). [international medians: 7%, 3%, 5% and 2% respectively]

In particular, our top 5% of students fared well internationally, scoring the highest4 for Primary 4 Science (Average Score: 727), Primary 4 Mathematics (725) and Secondary 2 Science (720), and was the 3rd highest (behind Chinese Taipei and Korea) for Secondary 2 Mathematics (731).

School Environment

The TIMSS 2007 survey of students, teachers and principals also affirms that Singapore schools are well-equipped with Science laboratories and resources are readily available for Mathematics and Science instruction. In addition, our schools provide students with a safe and conducive environment for learning. Our percentage scores for these indexes are the highest or second highest internationally.

Our schools will continue their efforts to ensure that our students acquire a strong foundation in Mathematics and Science so that they are equipped with the necessary skills to participate fully in the larger society.

Footnotes:

  1. There was no significant difference between Singapore and the higher ranked education system(s) for Mathematics at both levels. ↵
  2. TIMSS 2007 International Reports and Technical Report are available on the TIMSS website. ↵
  3. The TIMSS 2007 set out benchmark scores for performance at Advanced, High, Intermediate, and Low levels, based on criteria such as the ability to apply knowledge, grasp abstract concepts, and solve non-routine problems. ↵
  4. For achievement at the 95th percentile. ↵