Do you have a child in 10Mcg, 10Hgi or 10Zol?

These classes have been randomly selected to represent New Zealand in TIMSS, an international study used to understand how well our education system is performing. Students from across Aotearoa New Zealand and more than 60 other countries will be involved.

If your youngster is in any of these Whānau classes, please help them to come prepared on Friday the 13th with a fully charged laptop.

There will be some breaks and snacks as the morning progresses and Ms Hayward has a special and relaxing time planned for the classes in the afternoon to reward them for their mahi.

Why TIMSS?

New Zealand has participated in TIMSS, (the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) since it began in 1994. It assesses students’ skills and knowledge in maths and science as well as collecting information about their experiences, attitudes and school environment.

Participation helps provide valuable information to improve the education system in New Zealand. The students were given a brochure on Friday which shows some of the useful information we learned from the 2023 TIMSS students. We want to know if the answers will be different this time.

What’s involved?

They will be asked to complete a computer-based assessment for maths (45 minutes) and science (45 minutes). There is also a short computer-based questionnaire that takes around 20 to 30 minutes. Please bring a book to read if you finish early. Ms Dick will be your main contact person for any questions.

For your privacy

Maths and science results from the assessment are not shared with our school or teachers and will not affect their school marks.

All personal information is confidential. Their answers will only be seen by people working on TIMSS and never in a way that identifies who they are. The information is stored securely and used only in accordance with New Zealand’s Privacy Act.

TIMSS Information & Data Protection

• The TIMSS study collects your answers to questions on maths and science as well as questions about your home and schooling experiences.

• The collected data is used to see how well New Zealand is doing in preparing learners for the real-world and helps decision-makers to make the education system better.

• All your information will be treated confidentially and with respect. At no time will you or your school be named in any reporting.

• Any identifying information such as your name is securely kept until the end of 2027 by the New Zealand TIMSS team, after which time it will be deleted.

• You have the right to withdraw from the study and the right to access, correct or withdraw your information any time before 1 May 2026.

Who are we?

We are from the Ministry of Education and are responsible for collecting TIMSS data in New Zealand.