Despite the disruptions of COVID-19, Australian Year 4 students performed above the international average in maths and science, achieving their highest ever score.
The data from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) – a four-yearly sample study of Year 4 and Year 8 students assessing mathematics and science – was released on Wednesday, coinciding with individual school results of the 2024 NAPLAN tests.
In Australian Year 4 science, Australia is equal 5th internationally out of 58 countries (up from equal 9th in 2019), while in Year 4 maths, students achieved equal 15th (up from equal 23rd in 2019).
In Year 8 science, Australia was ranked equal 8th internationally (down from equal 7th in 2019), while Year 8 maths students scored equal 9th internationally (down from equal 7th in 2019).
Australia’s year 8 students have maintained the achievement levels set in previous years, with similar results to those recorded in 2019. In 2023, they were outperformed by 8 countries in maths and 7 countries in science, out of 44 at this year level. Singapore was the top performing country overall in both domains and age groups.
“This is a positive result for participating students and a reflection of their hard work. It’s also a testament to the incredible work of teachers and parents across the country,” Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said.
Minister Clare said while the results highlight that Australia has a good education system, it can be better and fairer.
“That’s why we want to invest more money in our public schools and tie that funding to practical reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school.”
Nicole Wernert, Senior Research Fellow at Australian Council for Educational Research, said the results are particularly positive given these students’ first years of school were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It also reflects well on teachers and parents that young students were so engaged with their learning in challenging circumstances,” Wernert said.
Wernert noted there was a ‘disappointing’ gender gap in favour of boys’ achievement across year levels and domains.
Internationally, Australia recorded the equal widest gender gap (with France) in year 4 maths achievement.