TIMSS 1994/95 Data Services

The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 1994/95 (previously known as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study) was the first in a cycle of studies that gave participating countries the opportunity to examine their students’ achievement in mathematics and science relative to that of students in other countries.
TIMSS Cycles, Information, Publications and International Data

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For information about each individual four year cycle of the study and publications based on the national results from TIMSS please refer to the 'Related Pages' inset box. For links to international publications, data and information on the IEA website please refer to the 'Where to find out More' inset box.

TIMSS 1994/95 Key Facts

Key Facts : TIMSS 1994/95

When:        1994/95.

Who:          Middle primary (Years 4 and 5), upper primary/lower secondary (Years 8 and 9) and senior secondary students (Years 12 and 13).

What:        Mathematics and science achievement.

How:         Conducted under the auspices of the IEA; managed internationally by Boston College; and managed within New Zealand by the 
                   Ministry of Education.

Where:      Over 40 countries including New Zealand.


The study was also designed so that it could provide countries with an opportunity to measure trends in mathematics and science achievement in subsequent cycles. This first cycle covered achievement at three educational levels: middle primary (Years 4 and 5), upper primary and lower secondary (Years 8 and 9), and students in their final year of schooling (Years 12 and 13). In addition, a sub-sample of students from Years 5 and 9 participated in the performance assessment component of TIMSS.

Key Findings

  • At the middle primary level (Years 4 and 5, or Grades 3 and 4 equivalent), New Zealand students performed significantly below the international averages in mathematics for both grade levels. In science, New Zealand students did slightly better, performing at about the international averages.
  • New Zealand 's mean mathematics scores at the lower secondary level (Years 8 and 9 or Grades 7 and 8 equivalent) were slightly below the international averages. In science, students at this level scored just above the international means on average. Boys generally outperformed girls in science.
  • New Zealand school-leavers (Years 12 and 13) performed well in both mathematics and scientific literacy, with mean scores significantly above the international means. New Zealand males achieved significantly higher scores than their female counterparts in both subject areas.