It’s time for the oral exams in the school-leaving exams: all the latest updates

Following this introduction, we will move on to questions and in-depth discussions on the four subjects. The aim is not merely to check that you know the content, but to assess whether you can make connections between them, think critically and independently, and demonstrate the level of maturity you have achieved. In practical terms, it is your reasoning that counts, not the ‘right’ answer. The interview will then continue with the familiar sections: the presentation of your school-work experience through a short report or a multimedia project, your civic education skills, and a discussion of your written papers.

During the interview, the panel will take the student’s academic record into account. This will help them to assess not only the knowledge acquired, but also the student’s personal development and the commitment shown. For students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties, the interview follows the guidelines set out in the individualised education plan drawn up by the class council, in line with the personalised programme followed throughout the year.

There is one aspect that deserves particular attention this year: the conduct mark. Anyone who ends the year with a 6 in conduct will have to approach their end-of-year interview with extra commitment. They will be required to prepare a critical essay on the theme of active and supportive citizenship, assigned by the class council. This is not a punishment, but an opportunity – albeit a compulsory one – to reflect on civic and social issues and demonstrate awareness. The essay will form part of the final interview and will be assessed by the examination board alongside the other components. It is a clear indication of the direction the Mim has sought to set for this school-leaving examination: the conduct mark does not merely contribute to the average for calculating academic credit, but plays a concrete role in the student’s development as a mature citizen.

As a rule, five interviews are held each day. The order is not left to chance. It is determined by the chair during the plenary meeting held before the start of the examinations, when the start date is set and, by drawing lots, the order of priority between the two classes assigned to the same examination board is established. Within each class, the draw also determines which candidates – external or internal – are interviewed first, and the order in which they are called follows the alphabet. When several examination boards share the same examiners, the chairpersons coordinate with one another to reach operational agreements that avoid overlaps and ensure all interviews run smoothly.

It may happen that, during interviews, the chair or a member of the selection panel fails to attend or has to leave for a valid reason. The rules in such cases are clear: proceedings are suspended and no interviews may take place. If the absence continues, the absent member is replaced for the remainder of the examination.

A student who, for a serious and documented reason, is unable to attend on the scheduled date may be granted a postponement, provided that the examination board recognises the validity of the reason: in that case, a new date will be set within the calendar already approved. If even this is not possible, the interview will take place during a special session arranged by the Ministry, usually at the beginning of September.