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Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study

Australia's performance in TIMSS 2003

Australian students acquitted themselves moderately well in mathematics, with the performance of Australian students not statistically different to the international average at Year 4, and significantly higher than the international average at Year 8.
There was no significant change in average scale scores at either year level for Australia from TIMSS 1994/1995 to 2002/2003. However, a number of other countries show a significant improvement over this period, raising their position relative to that of Australia .
There were no significant gender differences in overall mathematics achievement in Australia at either year level.

See the links below to view the table of overall mathematics achievement in TIMSS 2002 at Year 8 and at Year 4 by ranked country.

Australian students aquitted themselves well in science, with the performance of Australian students at both year levels significantly higher than the international average.
There was no significant change in the average scale score at Year 4 levels for Australia from TIMSS 1994/95 to 2002/03. The average scale score for Year 8 science significantly increased from TIMSS 1994/95 to TIMSS 2002/03.
There were no significant gender differences in overall science achievement in Australia at Year 4. However, in Year 8, males scored significantly higher than females.

See the links below to view the table of overall mathematics achievement in TIMSS 2002 at Year 8 and at Year 4 by ranked country.

National reports on Australia 's standing in past TIMSS studies are available from the data and reports page. See Data and Reports.

International reports from TIMSS can be downloaded from the IEA TIMSS website.