International tests

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How well do 14-year olds in England do in science and mathematics compared to their peers on the world stage?

The recently published international survey of primary and secondary pupils' attainment in science and mathematics (TIMSS 2007) provides some valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of these subjects at Key Stage 3. 

How well do 14-year olds in England fare on the international stage in mathematics and science in terms of their knowledge base (the content) and their ability to understand and apply that knowledge in both familiar and unfamiliar situations? According to the latest TIMSS report, Trends in international mathematics and science study 2007, there is good news. England's performance in all of the four assessment areas in science - biology, physics, chemistry and Earth science - and in mathematics - number, algebra, geometry, and data and chance - was among the best in the world.  

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