A new report has revealed primary students in Ireland have scored above average in major international tests in reading, mathematics and science.

The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2011) and the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2011) tested pupils in the equivalent of fourth class in over 60 countries.

In the PIRLS report, Irish students were ranked tenth out of 45 nations, while they came 17th out of 50 in the TIMSS test.

Irish pupils also scored significantly above the international average in science and were placed 22nd out of 50 participating countries.

Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn welcomed the report and congratulated students on their performance.

Commenting on the results, Mr Quinn stated: "While encouraging, they demonstrate the real need to work on the issues we are seeking to tackle in the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy."

The Minister added that he is pleased to see Ireland has a reduced proportion of lower-performing students in reading than other countries.

Written by Donal Walsh

Comments