For many graduating students, it is the most important day of the year. On Wednesday they were told whether they passed. Here are some lucky ones in the North. Hip Hip Hooray!
Marit Damstra (18) from Loppersum: havo, Hogeland College Warffum
“I was really nervous. Through the group app I already heard from classmates that they passed or were given a resit. Then everything goes through you. Now it feels like a relief.
Next academic year I will start with HBO Law at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen. That sounds like an interesting course. I have also looked at other studies, but I see myself following this one.
I’m really looking forward to next. A new phase in my life with more freedom, being a member of a student association, meeting new people. But first on vacation. In a few weeks I will go to Copenhagen with my mother and then we will go to Austria with the family. So just enjoy.”
Mila de Jong (15) from Rolde: mavo, Terra Assen
“I didn’t expect to succeed. I wanted to stay real. I thought I would get a rematch. Mathematics was very difficult. I had a 5.3, so that was not too bad in the end. When I heard that I had made it, I was extremely happy.
Soon I will go to school to collect the flag with ‘pass’ and my list of grades. And tonight partying with my friends and family.
Then I have vacation. I’m going to England, to Terschelling and another week to Berlin. All with my parents, but they are separated so you go more often.
Next academic year I will do Sports and Exercise at Drenthe College. I would like to become a police officer or a sports teacher.”
Nick Bisschop (16) from Vries: VMBO, Terra Eelde
“I kind of expected it. I have passed the exam. Last year I had three subjects for which I had good grades and the other three subjects did not go too bad this year either.
After the summer I will go to the SOMA Colleague in Harderwijk. That is a training for Machinist Earthmoving. I would like to become a crane operator. I already have a job. I just went to a company. It wanted me. But first I have to go to school for another three years.
Soon we will go out for dinner with my mother and stepfather. Then I go to a party of a friend who also passed.
I’ll be working all summer. As a road worker and a bit on a crane. I’ve already arranged everything.”
Guus van der Klok (16) from Winschoten: mavo, Dollard College Winschoten
“About fifteen minutes ago I heard that I had passed. I didn’t expect it at all. I think I didn’t do very well on the exam, but apparently I did. So when I heard it, I jumped for joy.
After the summer I will do the VeVa in Assen. That’s preparatory training for the military. That sounds nice to me. Then I go up and down by train.
Within the army I would like to work in the airmobile brigade. That is a kind of cooperation between the air force and the army. Rapidly deployable troops that go all over the world.
I’m going to have a nice party in the coming weeks. Even tonight. I’ve earned that.”
Students of practical schools can also fly the flag
It is a special day for the exam students of the practical school Emmen. The 46 students of PRO Emmen heard today that they passed. Until last year, they learned that later, but this year they will be on par with other students in secondary education for the first time at various practical schools in the North.
,,In the past they were often treated differently”, says teacher and chairman of the examination board Esther Berendsen of PRO Emmen. Since 2022, their diploma has been recognized nationally. Before that it was ‘only’ a certificate. “Many of their friends and girlfriends are in suspense today. We want them to experience it that way too. They arrive at school at 2 p.m. to pick up their portfolios. They took the exam based on that.”
Flags are going out everywhere this afternoon, with or without the school bag attached. Berendsen: ,,They also see that in their environment. That’s why it’s nice that they can now do that at the same time.”
Everyone who leaves school can then go to work. “They can’t leave school with us if they don’t have anything. Either they are doing further education or they have an employment contract.”