Czech students have demonstrated above-average performance in both mathematics and natural sciences in the recent TIMSS 2023 international survey, surpassing both EU and global averages. Fourth and eighth graders particularly shined, with eighth graders securing an impressive eighth place in mathematics, trailing only behind England and Ireland among European nations.
The success story is particularly notable in the EU context, with Czech eighth graders scoring 15 points above the EU average in mathematics. In natural sciences, they ranked ninth globally and claimed the third position among European countries, following England and Finland, with an impressive 21-point lead over the EU average.
However, Tomáš Zatloukal, head of the Czech School Inspectorate, points out that current results haven’t matched the standards set in 1995. The education system underwent significant changes in 2000 with school legal reforms, followed by the 2007 introduction of framework educational programs replacing traditional curricula.
The pandemic’s impact on education has been particularly significant. Fourth graders, who began their schooling during remote learning, experienced unprecedented challenges. Czech students faced the longest period of distance learning compared to other countries, with family background playing a crucial role in educational outcomes.
East Asian countries continue to dominate the rankings, with Singapore, Taiwan, and Korea consistently achieving top positions. This success is attributed to their adaptation to Economy 4.0, which demands high educational standards from employees – a challenge that European educational systems are still grappling with.