CUHK
News Centre

The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s EdDataX Research Centre has released the results of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 for the Hong Kong region, a study commissioned by the Education Bureau. The results, released on 4 December, found that Hong Kong’s Primary Four (P.4) and Secondary Two (S.2) students performed exceptionally in both mathematical and scientific literacy, ranking among the top performers globally across more than 60 education systems. The study is conducted every four years.

Compared to an international average of about 500, Hong Kong students achieved outstanding scores, with P.4 students scoring 594 and S.2 students achieving 575 in mathematics, ranking 4^th and 5^th respectively among participating education systems. 38% of P.4 students and 32% of S.2 students reached the advanced level of the international benchmark in mathematics, significantly surpassing the international median of 7%. In science, P.4 students scored 545, ranking 9^th, while S.2 students scored 528, securing 8^th place. 17% of P.4 students and 14% of S.2 students attained the advanced level of the international benchmark, surpassing the international medians of 7% and 6% respectively.

Compared with TIMSS 2019, Hong Kong students maintained their excellent performance in mathematics at both grade levels. There has been a notable improvement in science: the P.4 score rose from 531 to 545, while the S.2 score increased from 504 to 528, reflecting significant progress in scientific literacy over the past four years. The findings of this study also reflect the Education Bureau’s strong promotion of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools to enhance students’ interest and abilities in science and innovation and technology, as well as fostering their creative thinking. This initiative aligns with international standards and has achieved significant results.

Hong Kong also stands out for its educational equity, showing a smaller performance gap between students from low- and high-socioeconomic backgrounds compared to other top-performing education systems. This indicates that Hong Kong has successfully provided substantial support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The assessment also observed a gender difference in performance: P.4 boys outperformed girls in mathematics by 14 points. While boys also scored higher than girls in S.2 mathematics, P.4 science and S.2 science, the differences were negligible.

TIMSS, organised by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), is a globally recognised assessment that tracks trends in students’ mathematical and scientific knowledge and skills at P.4 and S.2 levels. It provides insights into educational systems worldwide, enabling jurisdictions to identify strengths and opportunities for improvement in teaching and learning. In Hong Kong, the EdDataX Research Centre at CUHK conducted the assessment from May to July 2023, randomly selecting about 4,100 students from 139 primary schools and about 4,500 students from 135 secondary schools to participate in computer-based assessments in mathematical and scientific literacy.