International study shows Hong Kong students' outstanding performance in mathematics and science
The results of the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 were announced today (December 4). A spokesman for the Education Bureau (EDB) said that the overall performance of Hong Kong students far exceeded the international average, showcasing their outstanding achievements.
TIMSS 2023, under the auspices of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, is conducted every four years with the aim of studying students' performance in mathematics and science at Grade 4 (equivalent to Primary Four (P4) in Hong Kong) and Grade 8 (equivalent to Secondary Two (S2) in Hong Kong). More than 60 countries or regions participated in the study.
The spokesman said, "Hong Kong students maintained a consistently high level of performance in mathematics. Their overall result was outstanding. Our P4 students ranked fourth with a score of 594, which significantly surpassed the international average of 503. Our S2 students maintained the fifth place with a score of 575, notably exceeding the international average of 478. Meanwhile, the proportions of P4 and S2 students reaching the advanced level of the international benchmark in mathematics were 38 per cent and 32 per cent respectively, well above the international median of 7 per cent in the two grade levels."
Significant progress was seen among Hong Kong students in science, with P4 and S2 students showing a marked rise from 15th and 17th in the previous cycle to ninth and eighth in this cycle, scoring 545 and 528 respectively, significantly surpassing the international average of 494 and 478. Their proportions achieving the advanced level of the international benchmark in science were 17 per cent and 14 per cent respectively, exceeding the international median of 7 per cent and 6 per cent.
The spokesman said, "Hong Kong students' outstanding performance in mathematics and science affirmed the teaching effectiveness of schools and teachers, as well as learning outcomes of students. To align with the national direction of invigorating the country through science and education, the EDB has been stepping up efforts to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education for all, for fun and for diversity to facilitate schools' creation of an atmosphere conducive to the learning of science, innovation and technology, enhance students' knowledge and skills in STEAM-related areas, and strengthen students' scientific investigation and problem-solving skills. In tandem, through continuously optimising the curriculum, strengthening teacher training in collaboration with various partners, organising STEAM learning activities beyond the classroom, as well as offering resource support for schools, the EDB nurtures students' interests and capabilities in learning science and technology from an early age, and enables students to develop their potential in innovation to foster future innovation and technology talent for our country and Hong Kong.
"The EDB will conduct an in-depth study of the results of TIMSS 2023 and continue to collaborate closely with different stakeholders to jointly and vigorously review the current learning and teaching measures, nurture students' interests, and strengthen learning and teaching effectiveness in order to enhance Hong Kong students' international competitiveness," the spokesman added.
The background information and key statistics of TIMSS 2023 are in the Annex.
2024 Constitution Day Seminar (with photos/video)
To enable the community to have a better understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the HKSAR's constitutional basis as laid down by the Constitution and the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR today (December 4) jointly held a seminar on Constitution Day, with the Endeavour Education Centre as the supporting organisation.
About 1 000 participants from various sectors of the community attended the Seminar themed "The Constitution and Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively". The Seminar comprised of two parts: a keynote speech and a panel discussion. The keynote speech was delivered by Professor Mo Jihong, who is the Member of the Academy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Director of the Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dean of the School of Law of the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and Executive Vice-President of the Association of Constitutional Law of the China Law Society. The panel discussion was moderated by member of the Management Committee of the Endeavour Education Centre, Miss Elsie Leung, who hosted a discussion with Hong Kong member of the Standing Committee of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and non-official member of the Executive Council and member of the Legislative Council, Mr Martin Liao; and member of the HKSAR Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, Dr William Wong, SC, on the vital functions of the Constitution in the process of further deepening reform comprehensively and promoting Chinese modernisation, as well as Hong Kong's integral roles in this regard.
Speaking at the Seminar, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that in the course of further deepening the reform comprehensively, the status of the Constitution as the fundamental law of the country must be upheld, and the provisions, principles and spirit of the Constitution must be firmly safeguarded and implemented, so as to ensure that the reforms are heading in the right direction and are carried out correctly and steadily. At the same time, education on the Constitution must be stepped up, because only when all people fully understand the content and spirit of the Constitution, a favourable atmosphere of respecting and abiding by the law can be created in society, and reforms can move forward steadily while abiding by the rule of law. He pointed out that the Resolution (the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization) adopted at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC Central Committee) put forward more than 300 important reform initiatives, many of which are closely related to Hong Kong, and the key requirement throughout is that the HKSAR should fully capitalise on the institutional advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle.
Addressing in his speech, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, mentioned that with the propelling of further comprehensive deepening of reforms, the full implementation of the Constitution mechanism will be further enhanced. The rule of law and Rule of the Constitution will step to a new stage and enter a new horizon in the new journey of the Chinese modernisation. The spirit of the rule of law and innovation will lead Hong Kong to a higher level of security and quality development. At present, with the staunch support of the Central Government, the strong leadership of the HKSAR Government, and the concerted efforts of all sectors of the HKSAR, the situations in Hong Kong society remain stable, and the economic and social developments of Hong Kong experience favourable changes. Hong Kong is now entering the best period for striving for economic growth and development at full strength.
When delivering his keynote speech, Professor Mo expressed his full confidence in the future of Hong Kong, which originates from the successful implementation of the Basic Law in Hong Kong in an active and effective manner. He pointed out that we must firmly establish the awareness of the importance of the Constitution, consciously uphold the authoritative status of the Constitution as the fundamental law in promoting Hong Kong's economic development and prosperity, use the reform spirit of the Constitution to promote practical innovation of the HKSAR's system, and continue to ensure that on the premise of the Central Authorities' effective exercise of overall jurisdiction, we can fully mobilise and utilise the initiative and proactiveness of all sectors of the community in Hong Kong, and encourage and support the HKSAR and the HKSAR Government to make good use of the high degree of autonomy conferred by the Constitution and the Basic Law, in order to place the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong residents at the core position of the HKSAR's system.
During the panel discussion of the Seminar, Mr Liao said the Constitution is the founding capital of modern countries and a country's fundamental law which possess the highest authority and status. We are all familiar that the Constitution is also the crystal of unity for the party and the country and unity for the people. It is also a mutual adaptation to the history of the country, the cultural background, the social values, as well as the current institution and mechanism, and a representation of the entire country's spiritual outlook, both internally and externally. Dr Wong pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee put forward new development concepts, emphasising on comprehensive ruling of the country in accordance with the law. He considered this as opportunities for all young people in Hong Kong, for the reason that establishing a completely fair cultural awareness and a fair mechanism allow all citizens to give full play to their strengths and pursue happy lives.
The Government has arranged the government website as well as some major television stations to broadcast live the Seminar. The full version of the Seminar will also be uploaded to the website of the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm) to enable members of the public to review the Seminar. They may visit the dedicated webpage (www.cmab.gov.hk/en/issues/constitution_day.htm) for other information about Constitution Day.
2024 Constitution Day Seminar (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
2024 Constitution Day Seminar (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
2024 Constitution Day Seminar (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
