1 Sep '15

Second chance for fifth-year students who fail exams

Summary

Fifth-year students who fail their final exams can now re-sit them at the Exams Commission, offering them another opportunity to move on to the sixth year

Re-sits

Students who fail one or more courses in the fifth year of secondary education will in future be able to re-sit exams at the Exams Commission. This gives them a second chance to go on to their final year. Flemish education minister Hilde Crevits spearheaded the measure.
 

Previously, fifth-years who failed a course received a C certificate, meaning they had to repeat the year. Students who fail lower grades normally get a B certificate, which means they are advised to change their track of study. In the fifth year, B certificates are no longer possible.

Secondary schools could choose to organise a re-sit, but schools have been scheduling fewer and fewer of them over the last few years. Now if students pass their exams at the Exams Commission, they can present their case to their school’s “admittance class council”, which can admit students to the sixth year.

Crevits said that the measure should help reduce the number of students leaving school without a diploma. Education networks have had mixed reactions to the news, with some saying they sense a lack of trust in their methods and judgement. 

Photo courtesy onderwijs.vlaanderen.be

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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