In 2005 a national assessment was carried out, which was commissioned by the Flemish government, to assess whether pupils have achieved the attainment targets for world orientation (nature domain) at the end of primary education. Data were collected through six written subtests, which fit within three broad categories: (a) human body, (b) nature around us and (c) non-living nature. A representative sample of 4592 pupils from 145 Flemish primary schools participated. Each pupil participated in four subtests, on a chance basis. In addition, performance assessments were administered to assess ...