European Baccalaureate Philosophy
European Baccalaureate
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The European Baccalaureate (Baccalauréat européen, Europäisches Abitur) is the school-leaving qualification of the European Schools and of schools accredited by their Board of Governors. It certifies completion of secondary studies and is officially recognised as an entry qualification for higher education throughout the European Union and in a number of other countries. The name belongs solely to the European Schools, which have held a monopoly on its use in all official EU languages since their establishment.
The qualification is built around the two-year Baccalaureate cycle (s6 and s7) and a comprehensive multilingual curriculum. Candidates must combine language, humanities and scientific subjects, with some subjects taught through a language other than the dominant one. The compulsory core includes at least two languages, mathematics, a scientific subject, history and geography taught through French, English or German, philosophy, physical education, and ethics or religion, plus options and complementary subjects bringing the weekly load to between 31 and 35 periods. Philosophy may be taken at 2 or 4 periods per week.
Assessment combines formative "A marks" for daily work, summative "B marks" from Pre-Baccalaureate examinations, and final examinations at the end of s7: five written and three oral, all double-corrected by internal teachers and external examiners. The preliminary mark accounts for 50% of the final mark, written examinations 35% and oral examinations 15%. The overall pass mark is 5 out of 10 (50 out of 100).
Preparation should start early in s6, since examinations cover the s7 syllabus while also assessing competences acquired in earlier years. Work steadily on A marks, treat Pre-Baccalaureate examinations as full rehearsals, and practise writing and speaking in at least two languages.
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About European Baccalaureate Philosophy preparation
What does the examination consist of?
Candidates sit five written examinations and three oral examinations at the end of year 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 entire s7 syllabus and also assesses competences acquired in previous years, especially s6.
How is the final mark calculated?
The preliminary mark obtained at the end of s7 accounts for 50% of the final mark and reflects formative assessment plus the Pre-Baccalaureate examinations. The other 50% comes from the double-corrected examinations: five written papers account for 35% of this part and three oral examinations for 15%.
What is the pass mark?
The overall pass mark for the European Baccalaureate is 5 out of 10 (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.
What happens if the two correctors disagree?
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 lowest marks awarded by the two previous correctors.
Is the qualification accepted for university admission?
Yes. The diploma is officially recognised as an entry qualification for higher education in all EU 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 university admission.
How many periods per week does the subject package involve?
Beyond the compulsory core, pupils choose options and complementary subjects so that the total package amounts to a minimum of 31 periods per week and a maximum of 35. Philosophy, part of the core, can be taken at either 2 or 4 periods per week.
Which languages are involved?
The curriculum is multilingual. At least two language subjects are compulsory, and History and Geography are taught through a language different from the dominant one, in French, English or German. Candidates must therefore demonstrate written and oral proficiency in at least two languages.
How should I prepare for the examinations?
Start in s6, because papers assess competences built up over previous years, not only the s7 syllabus. Keep A marks strong through regular classwork and short tests, treat Pre-Baccalaureate examinations as full rehearsals under exam conditions, and practise extended writing and oral argument in both of your languages.
Who assures the quality of the session?
The session is overseen by the Chairman of the European Baccalaureate and national inspectors acting as Vice-chairmen. They guarantee the level and quality of examination papers and fair, reliable assessment. The chairmanship rotates yearly with the presidency of the European Schools, and the chair is appointed by the Board of Governors.
Is assessment norm-referenced or criteria-referenced?
Assessment in the Baccalaureate cycle is criteria-referenced: it measures attainment against the learning objectives and required competences defined in the syllabus, not against other candidates. The inspectorate issues clear assessment and marking guidelines for both oral and written examinations.