Abstract: This article is concerning the performance of Singapore students in Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Singapore students’ performance on Geometry and Measurement, Estimation and Number Sense show some clear trends. They are: (!) Primary four students outperform primary three students; (2) On most items Singapore students outperform their corresponding International cohort; (3) Girls outperform boys on Geometry but the results are mixed for Measurement, Estimation and Number Sense; and (4) Boys tend to leave questions blank more often that girls.

Finally, the analysis of the data also shows that while students perform well in routine situations, they have difficulty using information in non-familiar contexts and making the transition from the enactive mode to the ikonic mode. This implies that there needs to be a focus on activities involving both familiar and non-familiar contexts as well as a specific emphasis on linking enactive and ikonic situation.