Education Minister Mariëlle Paul will discuss the progression test at primary school and carnival with those involved. A majority of the House of Representatives said on Monday that schools in carnival regions should be given extra time to schedule that test, so that the celebration of carnival is not jeopardized.
There has been a lot of fuss about the final test for some time now. Next year that test will coincide with Carnival. In May, school directors and MPs already asked if the test could be moved. ‘Just move Carnival’ was the gist of Minister Wiersma’s answer at the time. He later took back his statement.
Week before carnival
Wiersma then said that the test can also be taken in the week before carnival. His successor Paul repeated that message at the end of August. “That week is also just a school week in which lessons have to be taught and in which we are not all playing outside,” she said at the time.
Different parties saw this differently. The advancement test must now be taken in the first two full weeks of February. Schools can decide for themselves exactly when. But Carnival starts on February 10. Brabant schools have a holiday until February 18. Schools also have many activities planned in the week before.
Decision will follow later
So they now get a listening ear from the minister. She wants to organize a conversation between all groups that have something to do with it. The aim is to gain a clearer picture of the concerns and dilemmas that exist in the carnival regions. Then she will make a decision.
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