National end-of-year examination results to be based on coursework

Three hours after the announcements made by the French Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, on procedures for examinations in light of the COVID-19 health crisis, Patrice Cellario, the Minister of the Interior, explained during a telephone press conference the impact these would have on schooling in the Principality.

“The impact will be immediate and automatic given that the Principality follows the French system. Throughout the academic year, we have been preparing our pupils to take the French national examinations,” said the Minister, stressing that fairness between pupils would need to be the overriding principle in the Principality too.

The key measures are as follows:
• The 2020 baccalaureate will go ahead, but there will be no written examinations. Qualifications will be awarded solely on the basis of coursework. Marks obtained during the lockdown period will not be taken into account.
• For Year 12 (Première) pupils, only the French oral examination will be held. This may take place in late June or early July, if the health situation permits.
• An examination board will review pupils’ records of achievement to consider “the case of each pupil” and “ensure harmonisation between candidates”. The board will take into account pupils’ attendance should there be a return to classes and up until 4 July, as well as the progress they make.
• Honours will still be awarded.
• The usual oral examinations to enable pupils who narrowly miss the pass mark initially to improve their grades will still be held in July (providing that this is feasible).
• Candidates who do not obtain a pass in their baccalaureate in July (overall mark below 8/20) will be able to retake it in September, subject to the board’s approval (this will be based on attendance and motivation).
• Vocational qualifications (BEP, CAP, Bac Pro) will be validated on the basis of marks obtained and examinations already taken during this academic year. The same will apply to the BTS vocational further education diploma, with additional clarification expected in the next few days.

In conclusion, Mr Cellario paid tribute to officials at the Department of Education, Youth and Sport and the entire teaching staff for their commitment and the work done to ensure genuine continuity in education during the last three weeks of lockdown.