When compared to their international counterparts, South Africa’s Grade 5 and 9 pupils continue to lag behind in maths and science

According to a study released by Dr Vijay Reddy, principal investigator of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), South Africa’s Grade 5 and 9 pupils continue to lag behind in mathematics and science when compared to their international counterparts.

The study shows that South Africa ranks in the five lowest-performing countries which are: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, South Africa, and Kuwait.

In 2015, 36 countries around the world participated in the study and in South Africa over 300 schools , 12 000 leaners and 300 teachers in Maths and Science participated at Grade 9 level, according to Dr Reddy.

At the Grade 5 level, 300 schools participated, 11 500 learners and 300 teachers in Maths and Science also took part. Reddy says 11 000 parents of the Grade 5 learners also participated in the study by completing the questionnaire provided.