European Baccalaureate Other National Language (ONL)

Candidates sit five written examinations and three oral examinations at the end of s7. L1, L2 and mathematics are compulsory written examinations. For the oral examinations, L1, L2 or a subject taught through L2, namely history or geography, are compulsory. Candidates must therefore show written and oral proficiency in at least two languages.

The preliminary mark obtained at the end of s7 accounts for 50% of the final mark and reflects formative and summative assessment carried out by teachers during that year. The other 50% comes from double correction of the written and oral examinations. Within that part, the five written examinations account for 35% and the three oral examinations for 15%.

The overall pass mark for the European Baccalaureate is 5 out of 10, equivalent to 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, and certifies completion of secondary studies in a European School or an accredited school.

Both written and oral examinations are marked by the candidate's teachers and by external examiners, and the final mark is the average of the two marks. If the disagreement exceeds two points, a third external corrector analyses the earlier corrections and sets a final mark between the highest and the lowest awarded.

Each examination covers the entire syllabus of the corresponding subject in s7, but it also assesses the competences of knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in previous years, especially in s6. Revision should therefore reach back into s6 material rather than being limited to the final year's content.

At least two language subjects, 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 complete the package, which must total a minimum of 31 and a maximum of 35 periods per week.

Yes. The ONL course, listed at 4 periods per week, appears among the options and complementary subjects rather than the compulsory core. The source notes that if ONL is chosen, L4 cannot be chosen unless the timetable allows it, and that the catalogue of complementary courses varies from one school to another.

Assessment is criteria referenced: it measures attainment against the learning objectives and required competences defined in the syllabus. It is both formative, reflected in A marks for daily work such as participation, consistency, initiative and short progress tests, and summative, reflected in B marks from the term or semester Pre-Baccalaureate examinations held under formal conditions and time constraints.

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

It is officially recognised as an entry qualification for higher education in all European Union countries and in a number of others. Holders enjoy the same rights and benefits as other holders of secondary school-leaving certificates in their countries, including the same right as nationals with equivalent qualifications to seek admission to universities and tertiary institutions in the European Union.