Malta out of PISA 2012

Malta is not among the 68 countries taking part in PISA 2012. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is an international assessment of the reading, science and mathematical literacy of 15-year-old students. 

It takes place in 3-year cycles, allowing us to monitor changes in student achievement and other features of the education system over time. PISA provides information about education systems, and allows us to compare students across a large number of countries.  It is one of the largest assessments in the world, and it:

- assesses students’ real-life knowledge and skills and preparedness for future adult participation in society

- provides internationally comparable measures of student achievement

- examines the relationship between student achievement and factors such as school and student characteristics

- examines changes in achievement and other factors over time

- And helps to focus educational policy.

Malta’s students took part in PISA 2009 and 64% of them were estimated to have a proficiency in reading literacy that was at or above the baseline needed to participate effectively and productively in life. This compared to 81% in the OECD countries, on average.  Malta was notable among PISA 2009+ participants in that it had a relatively large proportion of advanced readers but also a relatively large proportion of poor and very poor readers in the population.

The Maltese students’ estimated mathematical literacy average was the same as that estimated for students from Greece, and higher than those from the OECD countries Israel, Turkey, Chile and Mexico. In Malta, 66% of students were proficient in mathematics at least to the baseline level at which they begin to demonstrate the kind of skills that enable them to use mathematics in ways that are considered fundamental for their future development. This compared to 75% in the OECD countries, on average.

In Malta, there was a statistically significant gender difference in mathematical literacy, favouring girls.

Maltese students were estimated to have an average score on the scientific literacy scale that was statistically the same those observed in the OECD countries Turkey and Israel and significantly higher than those estimated for two other OECD countries, Chile and Mexico.

In Malta, two-thirds of students were proficient in science at least to the baseline level at which they begin to demonstrate the science competencies that will enable them to participate actively in life situations related to science and technology.

In Malta, there was a statistically significant gender difference in scientific literacy, favouring girls.  This was the largest gender gap in scientific literacy among all PISA 2009 and PISA 2009+ participants, along with those observed in Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.

The number of countries participating in PISA has increased from 32 in 2000 to 67 countries in PISA 2009. In PISA 2012, 68 countries will participate (all 33 OECD member countries and 34 'partner' countries). 

Countries participating in PISA 2012 are listed below.