This highlights report summarises the key findings from Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), an international study that assesses the mathematics and science achievement of Year 4 and Year 8 students every 4 years. 

TIMSS 2023 expanded its scope to assess environmental knowledge and attitudes. This new component provides insights into students’ understanding of environmental issues including climate change, biodiversity, and conservation. The authors note the significance of TIMSS 2023 timing in regards to the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused significant disruption to schools and students.

Key findings

• Australian year 4 students have achieved best-ever results, in both science and maths. They are performing within the top 10 participating countries in year 4 science, with only 4 countries (Singapore, Korea, Chinese Taipei and Türkiye) performing at a significantly higher level.
• The year 4 maths result was also an improvement on the previous cycle, with the number of countries outperforming Australian students dropping from 22 to 14.
• A lot of Australia’s improvement at year 4 was due to a significant increase in the percentage of very high performing students. 
• Year 8 students have maintained the achievement levels set in previous years, with similar results to those recorded in 2019.