2019 Trends In International Mathematics and Science Study Report Released

On Tuesday, the Department of Basic Education released the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) report.
The TIMSS report has shown concern about the country being below the global average in maths and science. However, learners are continuning to improve in these subjects.
Data has been compiled by TIMSS from Grade 5 and 9 learners.
South Africa was one of three African countries which participated in the study, which is something to be proud of, even though the country did not do as well as first world countries.
The study revealed that the country ranked second last in maths and last place in science. Although this may be disappointing, the country still managed to show improvement in the achievement scores which proves that South Africa is moving in the right direction.
In 2015 and 2019, South Africa's Grade 5 level participated in TIMSS and in both years the level of achievement remained the same.
Over the last few periods, the Western Cape received the highest score, while Limpopo received the lowest.
The report revealed that in both Grade 5 and 9 female pupils outperformed males, and that those who attended no fee schools performed poorer.
Which is why it is important for learners to recieve good quality learning materials and be taught by dedicated teachers, so that they can improve their skills and one day accomplish their dreams.
Angie Motshekga, Basic Education Minister, believes that the country is struggling in the TIMMS assessments, because of the challenges that face the foundation phase education level.
However, Motshekga is very impressed and proud that these learners were able to improve their performance, even though many of them had very few resources.
Motshekga trusts that with the department and their stakeholders providing learners with adequate resources, it will help improve the country's TIMSS performance.