News item | 08-09-2023 | 16:25
Nearly 90% of all exam students in regular secondary education obtained their diploma in the past school year. This means that the percentage of students who passed in the first school year without exam measures is almost back to the level before the corona pandemic. In a normal year, an average of about 92% passes. This is evident from the examination monitor of the Education Executive Agency (DUO), which Minister Mariëlle Paul (Primary and Secondary Education) sent to the House of Representatives on Friday.
Pass rates have been much higher over the past 3 years, partly because students were allowed to take an extra resit due to the exceptional circumstances in which they had to prepare for their exam. They were also not allowed to have one grade count towards their diploma as long as it was not a core subject (thumb rule). In 2020, the final exam was canceled due to Corona and almost everyone passed. Last May, students took their exams again for the first time, almost without special measures.
No major measures
Minister Paul: “We should not underestimate the effect corona has had on this group of students. That is why I understand very well that some final exam candidates are disappointed that we have not taken exam measures this year. But students and teachers fought hard and managed to make up for delays. The figures show that they managed very well to successfully complete the exam. That is a top achievement that they can be very proud of!”
Retakes
The monitor also shows that in the past school year, compared to 2019 (before Corona), students failed slightly more often without taking a resit. Mathematics and Dutch are, as usual, the most often resits.
School year 2023/2024
This school year too, students must take exams without special measures. However, the second period will remain extended due to the positive experiences with this during corona times. From now on, this period will last 6 days instead of 4. This means that a student who cannot take the exam in the first period due to illness, for example, can more easily catch up on the exam. This is because fewer exams take place at the same time.
NP Education
With money from the National Education Program, schools have been tackling the learning delays that students have suffered as a result of Corona since 2021. Schools choose from a menu of proven effective methods. Primary and secondary schools may use this money until the 2024/2025 school year.