PISA
Measures 15-year-olds’ ability to use the knowledge and skills gained during their education to meet real-life challenges.
What is PISA?
Conducted on a three-year cycle, PISA is the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment.
First conducted in 2000, the major area of study rotates between reading, mathematics and science in each cycle, although all three are assessed each time. PISA emphasises functional skills that students have acquired as they near the end of compulsory schooling.
PISA 2018 assessed students' science, reading, and mathematics literacy in about 80 countries and education systems. In 2022, learners will be assessed across nearly 90 countries and education systems.
Why do we take part?
With the rapid development of technology in the 21st Century, society and economies are changing more quickly than ever before and the skills young people will need in order to thrive are ever-changing. In Wales, we are reforming our Curriculum to reflect this. The four purposes at the heart of Curriculum for Wales are reflected in the values that shape PISA; the assessments allow our learners to demonstrate their skills in a variety of contexts.
PISA 2022 will take a sample of our education system and help us jointly identify the most appropriate next steps for the new curriculum for Wales. It provides an opportunity to understand young people, gauge their wellbeing and skills, and learn from their experiences as we emerge from the pandemic. It will play an important part in our approach to recovery and improvement, helping us to understand both our current position and schools’ provision over the past two years.
Pedagogy resources
These resources will help teachers create learning experiences that support the development of learners’ skills.