Postponed state exams due to code red: what does this mean for students and parents?.

Postponed state exams due to code red: what does this mean for students and parents?.

Due to the declared code red on Friday 26 June, 678 oral state exams in secondary special education did not take place nationally. This causes extra uncertainty for many students and their parents in a period that is already stressful enough.

The exams were cancelled after consultation between the Board for Testing and Exams, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, DUO and the Education Inspectorate. The safety and health of candidates, examiners and school staff were paramount. Many examiners travel across the country and because of the extreme weather conditions travelling was strongly discouraged. Extreme heat can also affect the quality of exams.

Why were exams in code orange areas also cancelled?

Some parents wonder why exams at schools in areas with code orange could not take place. According to the organisations involved, examiners often travel from different parts of the country to exam locations. As a result, they would still have to depart from a code red area. For that reason, it was decided to cancel all involved exams.

Exams also did not take place at locations where air conditioning was available. The reason for this is that the negative travel advice was leading in the decision making.

What does this mean for students?

For the affected students, the postponement means that they still have to take their oral exam before receiving their final grade list, certificate or diploma. A diploma or certificate can only be issued when all exam components have been completed.

This can cause extra stress. Especially for students who want to start a further education course after the summer or who have worked for a long time to achieve their diploma.

When can the exams be retaken?

Some of the exams have already been retaken. Additional retake moments are planned on Saturday 18 July and, if necessary, on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August. There are also opportunities for individual tailor-made solutions between 20 July and 1 August, for example at the student’s own school if it is open.

The organisation of the retake moments is complex. Annually, about 30,000 oral exams are taken at 118 secondary special education schools, involving over 2,000 exam staff. Therefore, the available capacity is limited.

Clear communication is important

Especially in exceptional situations like this, clear communication towards parents and students is essential. Parents and students need to know when exams are retaken, what the consequences are for a possible further education course and what options there are for tailor-made solutions.

Schools play an important role in this. They provide communication to parents and students and coordinate with DUO about the planning of the exams.

For parents and students who have questions about the consequences of postponing the exams, it is wise to contact the school. The school can provide information about the planning, possible tailor-made solutions and the consequences for further education.

We will continue to follow the developments and keep parents informed as soon as there is more clarity about the consequences for students starting further education after the summer.