European Baccalaureate Language 3

Candidates sit five written examinations and three oral examinations at the end of s7. L1, L2 and mathematics are compulsory written papers; L1, L2 or a subject taught through L2 (history or geography) are compulsory orals. Each examination covers the whole s7 syllabus of that subject while also assessing competences acquired in earlier years, especially s6.

Half of the final mark is the preliminary mark awarded at the end of s7, reflecting all formative and summative assessment carried out by teachers during that year. The other half comes from double correction of the written and oral examinations by internal and external examiners, with the five written papers accounting for 35% of that part and the three orals for 15%.

The final mark is normally the average of the two examiners' marks. Where the disagreement exceeds two points, a third external corrector is brought in and, after a thorough analysis of the previous corrections, establishes a final mark between the highest and the lowest awarded by the two previous correctors.

The overall pass mark for the European Baccalaureate is 5 out of 10, that is 50 out of 100. The diploma is awarded to successful candidates by the Secretary-General of the European Schools on behalf of the Board of Governors.

The core includes at least two languages (the dominant language and another), mathematics at 3 or 5 periods per week, one scientific subject, history and geography taught through a language other than the dominant one, philosophy, physical education, and ethics or religion. Options and complementary subjects then complete a package of at least 31 and at most 35 periods per week.

Difficulty lies less in any single paper than in breadth: assessment is criteria referenced against syllabus objectives, and examinations test s6 competences as well as the s7 syllabus. Candidates who revise only the final-year content, neglect the language of instruction for history or geography, or let daily formative work slip in the preliminary mark tend to lose most.

The source material available does not describe a retake policy for the European Baccalaureate, so no retake rules, limits or fees can be confirmed here. Candidates should consult the European Baccalaureate Regulations in the official texts and their own school's Baccalaureate coordinator for the rules that apply to their session.

Work backwards from the compulsory papers: secure L1, L2 and mathematics first, since all three are written and at least one language is also examined orally. Then protect the subject taught through L2 and your option subjects. Because the preliminary mark is half the total, consistent daily work and pre-Baccalaureate examinations matter as much as final revision.

Each session is overseen by the Chairman of the European Baccalaureate and national inspectors acting as Vice-chairmen, who safeguard the level and quality of papers and fair, reliable assessment. The chairmanship rotates with the annual presidency of the European Schools, and the presiding country proposes a university professor appointed by the Board of Governors.