Girls top the class in maths, science

Year 9 (third form) girls are significantly ahead of their male classmates in maths and science, according to an international study.

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study looked at the performance of pupils at Year 5 in 25 countries and Year 9 in 50 countries. The study, which was co-ordinated in the United States, involved about 4300 Year 5 (standard three) students, 3800 Year 9 students and 600 teachers from 390 schools.

Results for New Zealand middle primary students came in about the international mathematics mean and were similar to results for Australia and Scotland.

New Zealand was one of six countries that recorded a significant improvement since the 1999 study.

At Year 9, students retained their position, averaging significantly above the international mean in mathematics.

Overall, both Year 5 and Year 9 students were better at cognitive reasoning, which required students to go beyond routine problem solving, than in the domains of knowing facts, procedures and concepts.

Education Minister Steve Maharey said the biggest gains were in students who were previously the lowest achievers. Maori and Pacific Island boys at Year 5 had made gains and girls in Year 9 had made improvements in sciences - particularly Pacific girls.

The results showed the Government's focus on supporting teachers to enhance their skills was working," he said.

"We have invested more than $37 million since 1999 in programmes that support teachers to lift standards in numeracy and maths and develop teaching programmes tailored to the needs of their students."

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