Events & News

World Class Tests in Mathematics and Problem Solving organized by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) announced the results of the April 2011 tests today (27 September). It is found that the scores of those local students taking the latest tests were again higher than the international average, they were better at getting the right answers than at explaining their strategies in writing.

This observation was made based on the results of 2,076 students who took part in the April 2011 World Class Tests for the 8-11 age group and the 12-14 age group. These include 1,627 students from 145 primary schools and 449 students from 70 secondary schools.

Prof Man-yu Wong of HKUST's Mathematics Department said, "Through organizing these international Tests over the years, we aim at assessing and nurturing gifted youngsters in Mathematics and Problem Solving. We have observed that Hong Kong students were in general well trained in doing examination papers, especially in answering multiple choice questions. It is equally important to train the students to understand the topic in a holistic manner and be able to explain clearly the thinking process behind. But the students need to strengthen their reasoning and presentation skills. This is particularly important to a person's lifelong development."

The World Class Tests

Since the launch of the World Class Tests in 2001 by the British Government's Department for Education and Skills, the Tests were first introduced to Hong Kong in 2004. In 2008 HKUST was commissioned to promote and organize the Tests in the Asian region. Since then, about 36,000 students from about 400 primary and secondary schools have taken the Tests. World Class Tests are organized in many countries and regions in April and November each year, and the questions are designed by professors of renowned universities in the UK, USA and Australia.

Asia Center for the World Class Tests in Mathematics and Problem Solving: