" God created everything by number, weight and measure"

Newton Isaac (1642-1727). The Giant in the field of mathematics and physics. Newton's contribution to the development of science is unmatch by any other individual in history.

What is TIMSS?

TIMSS is acronym for Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, previously known as Third International Mathematics and Science Study. It is the largest and most ambitious international comparative study of student achievement initiated by the International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA).

What is the purpose of these studies?

TIMSS is designed to help countries all over the world improve student learning in mathematics and science through studying trends in students’ mathematics and science achievement in four-year cycles. The first round of TIMSS was in 1995, the second in 1999 and the third in 2003.

Who are the participants involved?

More than half a million students from 40 over countries participated in this mammoth project first carried out in 1995. It also involved surveys and questionnaires gathered from thousands of teachers, school principals and educators on various education-related topics.

How did Singapore students fare in the study?

Singapore's students scored top place for Mathematics in 1995, 1999 and 2003. The consistent good performance of the students affirms the high quality of Mathematics education in Singapore and the effectiveness of its rigorous curriculum that helps establish students' firm foundation in math.

Check out the TIMSS reports on international student achievement for the respective years:

2003 report

1999 report

1995 report