The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) is an assessment of mathematics and science that has been monitoring trends in pupil achievement in Years 6 and 10 (Grades 4 and 8 internationally) since 1995. In Northern Ireland only Year 6 (Grade 4) pupils are sampled. TIMSS takes place every 4 years in over 60 countries and provides internationally comparative data on pupils’ attainment in mathematics and science, and how their performance is related to their attitudes, gender and background.
In addition, TIMSS includes questionnaires for teachers, Principals, and participating pupils' parents/guardians which provide a valuable perspective on maths and science teaching and the school and home environments.
What does TIMSS consist of?
In Northern Ireland TIMSS consists of five components:
- an onscreen mathematics and science assessment for pupils
- a background questionnaire for pupils
- a questionnaire for teachers
- a school questionnaire for headteachers and
- a home questionnaire for parents and/or guardians.
For more information and links to example items, please see our FAQs (question 8).
See our FAQs