“The baccalaureate specialty tests will take place from 2024 in June, according to an announcement by the Minister of National Education Gabriel Attal. This decision modifies the calendar established during the Blanquer reform implemented last year.
President Emmanuel Macron had already mentioned this possibility during an interview, stressing that the baccalaureate exams could not be held “so early in the year”. Thus, the baccalaureate specialty tests will now be scheduled in June from the 2023-2024 school year.
This decision to postpone the specialty tests follows numerous criticisms from the educational community, in particular teachers and school heads. Indeed, the holding of the tests in March led to increasing absenteeism and demotivation among some students in the last term. This measure therefore aims to provide a solution to this major problem.
In addition, this calendar change also responds to a request from the education unions, which presented alarming figures on absenteeism in the third quarter. Students also had less time to prepare for the tests, which was considered a pedagogical constraint.
This new orientation of the baccalaureate is perceived as a step backwards on the Blanquer reform, but the logic of continuous control remains maintained. The baccalaureate is still based 40% on continuous assessment and 60% on final exams, including specialty exams.
However, some unions believe that this shift does not solve all the problems related to the Blanquer reform. Indeed, continuous assessment has been criticized for its impact on the teacher/student relationship, with possible negotiations over grades. Despite everything, this decision shows a willingness to listen on the part of Minister Gabriel Attal and encourages him to draw the appropriate conclusions.
In conclusion, the postponement of the baccalaureate specialty exams to June from 2024 responds to a request from the educational community. This decision aims to solve the problems of absenteeism and demotivation noted during the tests in March