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PISA results highlight continued need to tackle underachievement in schools

Pupils are performing slightly better than the global average in international tests in science, maths and reading
Pupils are performing slightly better than the global average in international tests in science, maths and reading Pupils are performing slightly better than the global average in international tests in science, maths and reading

SCHOOL pupils are performing slightly better than the global average in international tests in science, maths and reading.

A survey of 15-year-olds shows that the performance of Northern Ireland pupils remains stable.

The latest results of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) highlight continued need to tackle underachievement, however.

Coordinated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), PISA results provide international benchmarks in mathematics, reading literacy and science in 72 countries.

The results found:

:: Pupils in Northern Ireland perform above the OECD average in science but are at the OECD average in mathematics and reading

:: The proportion of 15-year-olds who aspire to a career in science is greater in the north than the average across OECD members

:: Extensive quality assurance processes are already in place within the Northern Ireland education system

Last week, data from the 2015 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) revealed that only five of the 50 countries taking part in maths assessments outperformed Northern Ireland.

Education minister Peter Weir said he wanted to understand the dip in performance between primary and post-primary, although some teachers have pointed out that academic selection, which is supported by the minster, is partly to blame.

The minister said he would now examine the report carefully to see what lessons could be learned.

"The PISA report shows that our pupils perform at or just above the OECD average in maths, science and reading. While this is to be commended, our performance has not shown any significant improvement," Mr Weir said.

"Last week, the TIMSS report highlighted the excellent performance of local primary school pupils. The fact that there is a dip in performance from primary to post-primary continues and was also highlighted in the recent chief inspector's report. This is something I want to understand better. The work of collaboration between primary and post-primary schools is one part of our efforts to tackle this."

Welcoming the report, the NASUWT union said securing high standards of teaching and learning depended on having motivated and committed teachers who had working conditions that enabled them to focus on teaching in the classroom.

"Teachers can work best when they can deliver high-quality learning in an atmosphere where they feel respected and rewarded for the vital service they deliver to help children and young people succeed," said NASUWT National Official for Northern Ireland Justin McCamphill.

"The minister needs to listen to the NASUWT and work with us to continue to deliver the high-quality learning outcomes for all children across Northern Ireland."