France's baccalaureate: The hardest high school exam in the world?

Summary

The French baccalaureate, or 'le bac,' is a pivotal and stressful rite of passage for high school students in France. Established by Napoleon in 1808, it offers three types: professional, technological, and general, with the latter being the most common. The exam covers a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, and philosophy, with a strong emphasis on academic rigor. While the pass rate has increased over the years, critics argue that the bac's value has diminished. Recent reforms, focusing more on coursework than final exams, have sparked debate about its future role in French education.

Takeaways

• 😀 The French baccalaureate, or 'bac', is a highly stressful and significant national exam for high school students in France, typically taken at age 18.
• 😀 Created by Napoleon in 1808, the baccalaureate has been a longstanding tradition in France, surviving wars and uprisings over the years.
• 😀 There are three main types of baccalaureates: professional (focused on specific trades), technological (focused on sciences and computers), and general (focused on academic subjects).
• 😀 The general baccalaureate has three tracks: Sciences (S), Economics and Social Sciences (ES), and Literature and Arts (L).
• 😀 Students are tested on a broad range of subjects, including math, science, history, philosophy, and the French language, with some students also studying specialized subjects like circus arts or rugby.
• 😀 The philosophy exam is the first major test in the baccalaureate series and often sparks national discussion on the exam questions.
• 😀 Exam day is highly stressful, with strict protocols in place to prevent cheating, and students are graded anonymously.
• 😀 The passing mark for the baccalaureate is 10 out of 20, and students can earn honors: 'Assez Bien', 'Bien', or 'Très Bien'.
• 😀 While the pass rate for the baccalaureate has increased significantly over the years, critics argue it has lost its value, as the success rate in university is much lower.
• 😀 A recent reform of the baccalaureate, starting in 2021, has reduced the number of final exams and introduced a greater emphasis on continuous coursework, which has sparked debate about the potential for reduced academic rigor.

Q & A

What is the baccalaureate (bac) in France?

The baccalaureate, or 'bac', is a national end-of-high-school exam in France, taken by students around the age of 18. It is a significant rite of passage and plays a crucial role in determining future academic and professional paths.

When was the baccalaureate first introduced, and by whom?

The baccalaureate was created by Napoleon in 1808 and has been an essential part of French education for over 200 years.

What are the three types of baccalaureates in France?

There are three types of baccalaureates: the professional baccalaureate (focused on various professions like carpentry and baking), the technological baccalaureate (focused on science and technology), and the general baccalaureate (focused on academic subjects like literature, math, and economics).

How many tracks are available for students in the general baccalaureate, and what do they focus on?

In the general baccalaureate, students can choose between three tracks: 'S' for sciences and math, 'ES' for economics and social sciences, and 'L' for literature, humanities, and the arts.

What subjects are students tested on during the baccalaureate exams?

Students are tested on a wide range of subjects, including math, science, history, French language and literature, philosophy, and in some cases, sports or other specialized subjects like skiing or circus arts.

What is the role of philosophy in the baccalaureate exams?

Philosophy plays a central role in the baccalaureate, with the philosophy exam traditionally being the first of the series. The exam focuses on deep, thought-provoking questions, such as 'Is it possible to escape time?' or 'What is the use of explaining a work of art?'

What is the passing score for the baccalaureate?

The passing score for the baccalaureate is 10 out of 20, with additional honors awarded based on higher scores (Bien for good, Très Bien for very good).

How has the pass rate for the baccalaureate changed over time?

The pass rate for the baccalaureate has increased significantly over the years. In 1963, only 60% of candidates passed, but by 2018, the pass rate had risen to 88.3%.

What criticisms are associated with the baccalaureate?

Critics argue that the baccalaureate has lost its value due to a high pass rate and the growing number of candidates. Some also question its relevance in a modern education system, as many students face difficulties in university despite passing the bac.

What recent reforms have been introduced to the baccalaureate system?

In 2021, the baccalaureate was reformed, with major changes such as the removal of the three traditional tracks. Students now follow a core curriculum and specialize in a major and minor. Additionally, the final exams now account for only 60% of the final grade, with coursework making up the remaining 40%.