Undergraduate Admissions Information on EU Qualifications

These pages are designed to be a basic guide to the EU qualifications we see during the application cycle.

It is not intended as a definitive guide to acceptable qualifications but to give Course Selectors and members of the Undergraduate Admissions Team some basic information concerning those qualifications with which they may not be familiar and some indication of their acceptability from a University Admissions Requirement point of view. Where possible we have tried to include some examples of offers, which have been made to students as something of a benchmark.

For details of a more specific nature please contact the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office, either a member of your team or Anne White, Deputy Admissions Co-ordinator Ext 28263 (email Anne.White@warwick.ac.uk)

Information on the International Baccalaureate Diploma (page 3) and the European Baccalaureate Diploma (page 6) is included followed by

Specific information for the following countries:

Austria page 9Belgium page 11Cyprus page 12 Czech Republic page 13 Denmark page 14Estonia page 16Finland page 17France page 19Germany page 21Greece page 23Hungary page 25Ireland (Eire) page 26Italy page 27Latvia page 28 Lithuania page 30Luxembourg page 31Malta page 33Netherlands page 34Poland page 36Portugal page 37Slovakia page 38Slovenia page 39Spain page 41Sweden page 42

1

Please see:

m/aoz_shared/general/EUqualificationsguide/EUqualificationsoffer levels for information on offers made by selectors for 2004 entry on the more common qualifications (NB offer levels have increased for some courses and this should be taken in to account for offer levels for 2005 entry)

Useful website: http://www.ucas.com/candq/inter/

2

International Baccalaureate Diploma

The Diploma programme is offered throughout the world and is designed as a two year pre-university programme and examinations take place in May of the final year of study.

Curriculum

Students are required to follow 6 subjects in a range of disciplines at either Higher or Standard level with at least three and not more than 4 at Higher level (HL). Candidates typically choose one subject from each of 6 groups:

Group 1: Language A1

A language and literature course in the student’s best language or mother tongue including study of a selection from world literature

Group 2: Second Language

Language A2 a language and literature course for very fluent or bilingual students

OR

Language B a foreign language course for students with previous experience of learning the language, main focus is on language but a variety of texts also form part of the course

OR

Ab initio Language A2 a foreign language course for beginners

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, History of the Islamic world, Information Technology in a Global Society (SL), Philosophy, Psychology, and Social and Cultural Anthropology

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Systems (SL), and Physics. (NB: all experimental science courses have a required laboratory or practical work component)

Group 5: Mathematics

3

Mathematics (HL), Mathematical Methods (SL), Mathematical Studies (SL) Further Mathematics (SL), Computer Science (elective)

Group 6: Arts

Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts,

OR

a school-based syllabus approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation

OR

Instead of a group 6 subject a third modern language, a second subject from group 3, a second subject from group 4 or Further Mathematics (SL)

In addition students must complete:

Theory of Knowledge (100 hour taught course)

An interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom

Extended Essay (4000 words)

Independent research into a topic of special interest must be written in a Diploma Programme subject

Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) which contributes to their humanitarian/international education.

Creative, physical and community service activities.

Assessment

The Diploma is awarded to students who have achieved 24 points overall and who do not have any failing conditions.

Each Higher and Standard level subject is graded following the criteria:

1 very poor 5 good2 poor 6 very good3 mediocre 7 excellent4 satisfactory

In addition students are awarded a maximum of 3 points for the combined result of their Theory of Knowledge paper and Extended Essay paper (often shown as bonus points on UCAS forms by candidates).

4

The maximum possible score is 45 points.Some students are awarded a Bilingual Diploma if offering two languages within the Diploma.

Warwick Offers

Offer levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. The very minimum we would consider would be 30 points overall, more normally offers are in the range 34-38 where 37/38 equates broadly to AAB at A-level for a very competitive course.

Please see:

m/aoz_shared/general/EUqualificationsguide/2003gradedistributionIB subjects for information on percentage of students awarded grades 1-7 in all subjects taken within IB 2003 examinations

http://www.ibo.org –the International Baccalaureate website.

If you have concerns on the content of a subject (at either level) please contact us and we can obtain this information for you

5

European Baccalaureate

The European Baccalaureate (EB) is only awarded by the ten European Schools of the European Union which provide free education for children of staff employed by EU institutions.

There are currently twelve Schools (Alicante, Uccle, Woluwé, Ixelles, Mol, Bergen, Frankfurt-am-Main, Karlsruhe, Munich, Varese, Culham & Luxembourg), in seven countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain and Luxembourg), with a total of over 16,000 pupils

Curriculum

The EB examines the final two years of a seven-year secondary education cycle.

Throughout Years 1-7 the following subjects are compulsory:

First language (mother tongue) First foreign language

Mathematics Geography

History Science

Physical education Ethics/Religion

Pupils are members of a language section, normally that of their mother tongue and receive most of their education in that language. The first foreign language (English, French or German) is taught from age 6 and becomes known as the pupil’s working language and from secondary year 3 History and Geography are studied in this language. A second foreign language is compulsory in years 2-5. Overall, a significant element of study, although always less than one-half, is undertaken in the first foreign language.

Classes 6 and 7 of the Secondary SectionCompulsory Subjects Elective Subject Complementary Subjects1 2 3 4 5Language I 4 or Advanced Language I 6Language II 3 or Advanced Language II 5Mathematics three periods 3 or

Biology 2History 2Geography 2

Latin* 4Ancient Greek * 4Geography 4

Advanced Mathematics + 3

Practical Physics 2Practical Chemistry 2Practical Biology 2

Mathematics five periods 5Religion/Ethics 1

Philosophy 2 Philosophy 4Language III 4

Computing 2Elementary Economics@ 2

Physical Education 2 Language IV* 4 Sociology 2History 4Economics*4

Art@ 2Music@ 2

Physics 4 Physical

6

Chemistry 4Biology 4Art 4Music 4

Education 2etc 2

*Students may only choose these courses if they have taken them as options in classes 4 and 5.+Advanced Mathematics may only be taken in conjunction with Mathematics five periods in column 1. @ Not allowed if taken in column 3. Figures in bold indicate number of study periods per week.Students must take all the subjects in column one. Biology, History, Geography and Philosophy must be taken in either column two or column three. Biology (column two or column three) is compulsory unless Physics or Chemistry is chosen in column three. Students must take at least two elective subjects in column three and additional courses from columns four and five to ensure a minimum weekly timetable of 31 periods. They may choose further elective or complementary subjects to a maximum of 35 lessons per week.Not all schools are able to offer all the option courses in all the language sections.If an option course cannot be created in a student’s L1, it may be offered either in the working language of the students concerned or in the language of the school’s host country.Obligatory subjects account for at least 21 lessons a week. Elective (options) and complementary subjects are then chosen to complete a weekly timetable of not less than 31 and not more than 35 lessons. Lessons are of 45 minutes’ duration.

Assessment

The EB is a group diploma and candidates are awarded a final overall mark expressed as a percentage. Candidates who achieve an overall mark of 60% or more are awarded the Baccalaureate. The final mark is the result of:

a) Internal assessment of all subjects (usually 10-12 subjects except Ethics/Religion) studied during Year 7 by means of:

internal school examinations – 25%continuous assessment – 15%

b) Five final written exams set by the Examining Board, in mother tongue, first foreign language, mathematics and two elective subjects - 36%

c) Four final oral exams set by the teacher and examined by the teacher and an external examiner appointed by the Examining Board, in mother tongue, first foreign language, history or geography and a fourth compulsory or elective subject - 24%

Complementary subjects cannot be offered in the final written or oral examination. They contribute only to internal assessment. At least two of the four orals are in one of the candidate’s foreign languages.

7

There are no individual subject pass certificates but individual subject marks are calculated at all stages – internal assessment, written and oral examinations – and are indicated on the final Baccalaureate certificate. Students receive the formal Diploma and the marks for each subject at about the same time in the first or second week in July. The Diploma is the formal record of achievement.

Warwick Offers Offer levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. The very minimum we would consider would be 70% overall (or this can be expressed as 7 overall), more normally offers are in the range 75%-85% where 85% equates broadly to AAB at A-level for a very competitive course. Offers can ask for a low overall score (eg 72%) but be much more stringent by specifying a high score in one or more subjects.

The following is an overall guide showing the distribution of marks for 1999-2001.

Score % % of Candidates

Over 90 2.3385 - 89.99 7.9380 - 84.99 15.8775 - 79.99 17.7070 - 74.99 20.5565 - 69.99 19.4260 - 64.99 12.70Less than 59.99 3.50Total candidates=3,347

For further information please see:

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/candq/inter/misc/appendb.html.

8

AUSTRIA

Reifezeugnis/Maturazeugnis

Secondary education in Austria comprises two four-year cycles, Unterstufe (lower secondary) covering grades 5-8, and Oberstufe (upper secondary) covering grades 9-12. There are various types of academic upper secondary schools including the Gymnasium (specialising in languages), Realgymnasium (specialising in mathematics, sciences and technical subjects) and Wirtschaftskundliches Realgymansium (specialising in economics and social studies), which prepare students for university level education and specialised careers.

Curriculum

Students follow a broad curriculum in Unterstufe including Mathematics, German, a foreign language, Sciences, Geography, Economics, Social Studies and History, Home Economics, Handicrafts, Music and Religion. At Oberstufe level there is specialisation depending upon which type of school is attended.

In grades 11 and 12, students are able to choose the subjects they wish to study in depth. Study in these subjects (Wahlpflichtgegenstände) consists of either additional subjects or additional in-depth study in a compulsory subject. Wahlpflichtgegenstände are studied for a specified number of hours per week:

12 hours at the Wirtschaftliches Gymnasium 10 hours at the Realgymnasium 8 hours at the Oberstufen Gymnasium.

Assessment

Examinations in the final year of study (Reifeprüfung - Certificate or Matura) consist of a combination of written and oral examinations. The written examinations include Mathematics, German and a foreign language; and the oral examinations take a subject from each subject group - arts and social sciences, science and foreign languages. The oral examinations consist of core questions and Spezialfragen emphasising the students' special interests. One oral examination includes a Schwerpunktprüfung (emphasis test) taken in a compulsory subject and a Wahlpflichtgegenstände subject. Students can choose to take either three written examinations and four oral examinations or four written examinations and three oral examinations. Alternatively, students can opt in their final semester to write a Fachbereichsarbeit (paper) in one subject, touching on related areas (exceptional studnets only), and then take three written and three oral examinations for the award of the Reifeprüfung. Students must pass seven examinations for the award of the Matura certificate.

A numerical scale of 1 - 5 is used, with four being the minimum pass mark as follows:

9

1 sehr gut Very good2 gut Good3 befriedigend Satisfactory4 genügend Pass5 nicht genügend Fail

The Reifeprüfung certificate also states an average of subject grades classified as follows:

Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden pass with high distinctionMit gutem Erfolg bestanden pass with distinctionBestanden passNicht bestanden fail

Warwick Offers

Offers vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall grade with specific grades in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. 1.5 – 1.6 overall with 1 in a specified subject would be suitable for a very competitive course (A-level grades AAB where grade A is required in a specified A-level).

Grades Most Common A-Level Grades Pass high distinction BBB - AAA Pass distinction BCC - BBC Pass UEE - CCC Fail UUU – UUE

10

BELGIUM

Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur (French speaking community)Getuignschrift van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs (Flemish speaking communityAbschluszeugnis der Oberstufe des Sekundarunterrichts (German speaking community)

There are three communities in Belgium; French-speaking, Dutch-speaking and German-speaking. Brussels, in the southern Dutch-speaking area, is officially bilingual (French and Dutch) and there is a separate autonomous Ministry of Education for each community - French, Dutch and German. Secondary education is made up of three two-year cycles, pupils are put into streams from the beginning of the second cycle of education, and specialisation is introduced in the third and final two-year cycle.

Curriculum

Compulsory subjects include the following: religion or non-denominational ethics, Dutch, French, English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Natural Sciences, Art Education, Technological Education, Physical Education. Pupils receive an Attestation d'Orientation or Orienteringsattest (end of year report) each year which is based on continuous assessment and examinations twice a year or every term.

Assessment

Assessment is based on the final year of study and various marking schemes are used. The most common is a scale of 1 to 10 where 10 is the maximum. Assessment can also be on a scale of 1 to 20 or on a percentage scale - details are included on the diploma supplement.

Warwick Offers

We have very few applications from Belgian students but offers can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. We would always advise contacting the school first to clarify which marking scheme is used and also to gain more academic information on the candidate in relation to his/her cohort of students. Offers to date have been in region of 85% overall for an AAB/ABB A-level offer.

11

CYPRUS

Apolytirion (School Leaving Certificate)

Secondary education is six years in duration, divided into two cycles. The first three-year cycle of secondary education is undertaken in the Gymnasium and is compulsory. The second three-year cycle, upper secondary education, takes place at the Lyceum or technical/vocational schools.

Curriculum

At Upper Secondary School students specialise in one of five main fields. They are: Classics (Humanities), Commercial/Secretarial Skills, Economics, Foreign Language and Science. The compulsory curriculum consists of the following: Ancient and Modern Greek, English, French, Chemistry, Civics, Gymnastics, History, Mathematics, Physics, Religious Education. In the first year, students additionally cover Art, Music and General Science.

On completion of the third year, students take the Apolytirion examination. Greek and Mathematics are compulsory subjects. Generally, students will take an additional four or five subjects. Students may also decide to take outside qualifications in conjunction with the Apolytirion. The most common examples are the Greek University Entrance Examination, GCE Advanced Levels, GCSEs, and the IELTS and TOEFL English language examinations.

Assessment

In the Apolytirion the final external examinations count for 30% of each subject mark and the other 70% is determined by internal examinations. The Apolytirion is marked on a scale of 1 - 20, the minimum pass-mark being 10.

Warwick Offers

The Apolytirion is considered comparable to a standard between GCSE and GCE AS level. Candidates would, therefore, need to offer additional qualifications, which would be equivalent to A-level.

12

CZECH REPUBLIC

Vysvedceni o Maturitni Zkousce (Maturita)

The upper secondary school system includes general secondary schools (also known as grammar schools), secondary technical school, secondary vocational schools and integrated secondary school (a combination of the secondary vocational and secondary technical school). General secondary school (Gymnázium) offers complete secondary education culminating in the Maturita - these schools primarily prepare students for university. As an alternative to the 4-year gymnasium, there are also a number of 5-year gymnasia (bilingual gymnasia). These schools offer education in selected subjects, using a foreign language as the medium of instruction.

Curriculum

The 4-year gymnasium curriculum includes the following subjects: Czech Language and Literature, 2 Modern Languages, Social Sciences, History, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Information and Computer Technology, physical education and optional subjects. Current four-year gymnázium studies end with the state Maturita examinations, which signify the completion of secondary education. The Maturita examination involves both oral and written examinations and is normally taken in four subjects; these traditionally being: Czech (compulsory), one foreign language (compulsory), two subjects based on student's choice, and potentially one additional optional subject. There has been an increasing diversity in the content and level of Maturita examinations at different schools.

Assessment

The grading system used in schools is on a scale of 1 - 5:

1 výborný excellent2 chvalitebný very good3 dobrý good4 dostatecný pass5 nedostatecný fail

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team – general advice is that the Maturita can be considered comparable to A-levels.

13

DENMARK

Studentereksamen

Upper secondary education is divided into three main branches and covers two to five years depending on the branch of study undertaken. Students can attend General Upper Secondary School and achieve the Studentereksamen or attend Technical and Commercial Upper Secondary School or take Vocational Education and Training. They normally cater for 16 to 19-year-olds.

Curriculum

The gymnasium schools provide three-year programmes, which aim to prepare students for admission to higher education and education is divided into two main streams: science and language, but a common core curriculum applies to both branches. All subjects are compulsory in the first year of the gymnasium course. Subjects may be taught at three levels: A (high level), B (intermediate level) and C. Optional subjects are offered at high level and intermediate level. In the second and third years, students choose a total of three or four optional subjects of which, two or three must be at the high level. The obligatory subjects in both streams are: Visual Arts, Biology, Danish, English, Geography, History with Civics, Physical Education and Sport, Music, Classical Studies and Religious Studies. There is a wide range of optional subjects and additional obligatory subjects depending on specialisation.

Assessment

Students are required to sit a total of 10 examinations for the award of the Studentereksamen (Upper Secondary School Leaving Examination). Up to three examinations may be taken after the first and second years. After the third year, all students take a written examination in Danish and in the subjects chosen at the high level. The number of oral examinations varies in accordance with the range of subjects chosen. During the third year, all students must write a major assignment. The following grading scheme is used:

13 Given for the exceptionally independent and excellent performance (very rare)

11 Given for the independent and excellent performance

10 Given for excellent, but not particularly independent performance

9 Given for the good performance a little above average8 Given for the average performance7 Given for the mediocre performance, slightly below average6 Given for the just acceptable performance05 Given for the hesitant and not satisfactory performance

03 Given for the very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory performance

00 Given for the completely unacceptable performance

14

Students must achieve an average mark of 6.0 in both course work and the final examinations to pass the Studentereksamen. The mark of 13 is seldom used and only for an extraordinary performance. The marks awarded should reflect achievements in terms of standards set by the institution for the specific programme.For each assessment according to the 13-point marking scale, the performance or general proficiency is first placed within the following four groups of marks: 1) excellent (13, 11, 10); 2) average (9, 8, 7); 3) the just acceptable (6); 4) hesitant (5, 03, 00). Apart from the 13-point scale, bestået/ikke bestået (pass/fail) is used in some cases.

Warwick Offers

We have very few applications from Danish students but offers can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. Below is a guide to score equivalencies with A-level grades:

Grade Most Common A-Level Grades 13 – 10.5 AAA 10 AAB 9.5 BBA - BBB 9 BBC 8.5 CCB - CCC 8 CCD 7.5 CDD 7 DDD - DDE 6.5 DEE 6 EEE - EEU 0 UUE - UUU

15

ESTONIA

Riigieksamid (State Examinations) & Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus (Secondary School Certificate)

Primary and general secondary education are provided in a unified school, where each year of study (grade) is directly based on the previous, and enables transfer from one school to another without hindrance. Some secondary general schools also offer courses with specialisation in commerce, technology and other practical studies, which give, in addition to general education, a particular educational profile. These schools, however, offer these courses as part of a largely academic programme.

Curriculum

Students study a broad range of subjects.

Assessment

The state examinations (Riigieksamid) for secondary school graduates are taken at the end of year 12. Students are required to pass at least three state examinations to complete secondary education, of which one is an essay in the mother tongue. State examinations are taken by all pupils, both academic and vocational and act as entrance examinations to higher education institutions. Completion of secondary education is on the basis of the Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus (Secondary School Leaving Certificate), valid only with the Riigieksamitunnistus (state examinations).

There is a unified grading system used at secondary level general and vocational schools:

5 - very good 4 - good 3 - satisfactory 2 - unsatisfactory (fail) 1 - poor (fail)

The state examinations follow differing point scales depending on the subject. The essay in the mother tongue is assessed using a ten point scale, other subjects are assessed by using a 100 point scale. Foreign language examinations are split 80 written and 20 oral.

Warwick Offers

The Gümnaasiumi Lõputunnistus is comparable to GCSE level and candidates would, therefore, need to offer additional qualifications, which would be equivalent to A-level.

16

FINLAND

Ylioppilastutkinto/Studentexamen (Matriculation Examination)

Compulsory education starts in comprehensive school the year a child turns seven and ends either when the syllabus of compulsory education has been completed or 10 years after the beginning of compulsory education (grades 1-9). All students who have completed comprehensive school are eligible for further studies at general upper secondary schools or at vocational upper secondary schools. The two national languages of education are Finnish and Swedish. Student selection to general upper secondary schools is mainly based on the student's previous study record, whereas in vocational education entrance or aptitude tests may also be used. Approximately 54 % of each age group start general and 36 % of the age group start vocational upper secondary studies immediately following basic education. General upper secondary education builds on the compulsory education syllabus.

Curriculum

The scope of the general upper secondary education syllabus is three years, but the education is not tied to year classes. The syllabus should be completed within a maximum time of four years, unless a student is granted a continuation period for a legitimate reason. Students are usually 16 -19 years of age. The compulsory subjects in general upper secondary education include the mother tongue (i.e. Finnish or Swedish) and literature, the other national language, foreign languages, studies in Mathematics and Natural Sciences, studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences, Religion or Ethics, Physical and Health Education, as well as Arts and practical subjects. In addition, the syllabus includes specialisation and applied courses, the provisions of which are decided by schools.

Assessment

Assessment at the end of each course is based on continuous assessment of course work and any written tests taken. On completing the upper secondary school curriculum an Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate is awarded – lukion paastotodistus/gymnasiets avgansbetyg which is marked on the following scale:

Numerical Finnish Swedish English 10 erinomainen utmärkt excellent 9 kiitettävä berömlig praiseworthy 8 hyvä god good 7 tyydyttävä nojaktig satisfactory 6 kohtalainen försvarlig moderate 5 välttävä hjälplig adequate4 hylätty underkänd fail

Students can also take the corresponding tests in the National Matriculation Examination (ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen) which give access to Higher Education in Finland. The examination is drawn up nationally, and final assessment

17

is made by a centralised body called the National Matriculation Examination Board (ylioppilastutkintolautakunta / studentexamensnämnden).

The matriculation examination includes the following tests:

mother tongue (Finnish/Swedish) other national language (Swedish/Finnish) foreign language Mathematics General Studies/reaalia (humanities and natural sciences) (reaalikoe/realprov)

In addition to the compulsory tests, candidates may participate in one or more optional tests. The grading scale that is used for grading the matriculation examination is shown with Latin descriptors, their meaning and the corresponding points, as well as the distribution of all the grades in per cent in the table below.

Grades (Latin descriptor)

Meaning and corresponding

points of gradesDistribution of grades

in per centLaudatur Excellent, 7 5 %Eximia cum laude approbatur

Exceptionally good, 6 15 %

Magna cum laude approbatur Very good, 5 20 %

Cum laude approbatur Good, 4 24 %Lubenter approbatur Satisfactory, 3 20 %Approbatur Pass, 2 11 %Improbatur Fail, 0 5 %

100 %

The distribution of grades in per cent is only directive. In other words, the distribution is only relevant for tests in subjects that have a high number of participants. In subjects where the number of participants is relatively low, on the other hand, aiming for the distribution is not endorsed.

Warwick Offers

Offers should be based on the National Matriculation Examination and levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall grade with specific grades in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. Below is a general equivalency of A-level grades.

Grades Most Common A-Level Grades L AAB - AAA E BBC - ABB M BCC C CCD - CCC B DDD - CDD A UEE - DDE

18

I (fail) UUU - UUE

19

FRANCE

French Baccalaureat

There are seven years of secondary education, the last three years of which are spent in preparation for a specific Baccalaureat examination. In the academic Baccalaureat General there are three options:

L Literature (arts based)ES Economics and Social SciencesS Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Curriculum

At least 8 academic subjects are studied in the FB and these vary depending upon the option taken. There is a common core of subjects to all versions: French, Philosophy, first foreign language, History and Geography, Science and Sport and two subjects directly related to the version to be taken:

L Literature and second foreign languageES Economics (include Maths) and a second foreign languageS Maths and Sciences.

Further speciality subjects can be taken relating to the version taken.

Assessment

The award of the Baccalaureat requires a weighted mean mark of 10 or more in written and oral examinations. The coefficients used for weighting of the individual subjects vary from 1-7 and these weightings are shown on the final award. Students are given an overall mark and individual marks for each of the individual subjects taken using the following scale:

20 (maximum)…….0, 10 being the minimum pass

20-16 tres bien15-14 bien13-12 assez bien11-10 passable/moyen

Warwick Offers

The top mark band (20-16) identifies students of outstanding ability. In 2000, the percentage of candidates achieving a specific mention was as follows:

Mark Band % of candidatesTres Bien 2Bien 8Assez Bien 22

20

Offer levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. The very minimum we would consider would be 12 overall, more normally offers are in the range 13-14 overall where 15 overall would be suitable a very competitive course.

Option International Du Baccalaureat

This differs from the French Baccalaureat by being a fully bilingual (or multilingual) programme available in a small number of French state schools designated as ‘International’. Several national options are available including British, American and Spanish. The international options are administered by education authorities in the various countries; for the British option University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) is responsible.

Curriculum

The international option enables a candidate in the academic stream of the FB to substitute specially created Language/Literature and History/Geography courses in the appropriate language eg English (taught by foreign national teachers) for the equivalent FB courses. The courses and the examinations to which they lead are geared to the standard set in the foreign country. A student following the international option would fulfil all the requirements of the FB and would have studied at least 6 academic subjects.

Assessment

The British option examinations are set and moderated by examiners appointed jointly by UCLES and the French Ministry of Education. As with the FB students this will be assessed on individual subject areas and will also be given an overall assessment in the Baccalaureat. The coefficients used for weighting of the two subjects specific to the International Option are very high and vary from 7 to 10 and these weightings are shown on the final award. For assessment see the information for the FB but note that the top mark-band (20-16) is awarded to about 1% of candidates, identifying students of outstanding ability.

Warwick Offers

See information on the FB.

21

GERMANY

Abitur

Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife (commonly known as the Abitur) is available in most German states after 13 years of consecutive schooling. The same award is obtained after the successful completion of 12 years in both Sachsen and Thüringen, with other states currently running 12-year schooling pilot projects. The Abitur is available from Gymnasien and Gesamtschulen (comprehensive school). The three year structure of upper secondary education is based on a first year introductory phase followed by two years working towards the Abitur.

Curriculum

There is a common core of subjects: German, a foreign language, Mathematics. Religious Education and Sport are also core subjects in some states (but tend not to be assessed). In addition, subjects are available from the following categories:

Languages, Literature and the Arts Social Science Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology.

Pupils must take subjects from each of the above categories throughout the course and up to the final award.

Eight subjects overall must be taken, at least two of which are Leistungskurse (intensive and specific) and the remainder Grundkurse (general and broad). Grundkurse constitute approximately two thirds of the overall hours. Leistungskurse subjects must include German, or a foreign language, or Mathematics or a Natural Science. One foreign language must be studied during the final two years but not necessarily English.

Assessment

The final year examinations are called Abiturprufung. 4 (sometimes 5) examinations are taken - 3 written and 1 oral. The first and second written examinations are in Leistungskurse subjects and the third written and oral examinations are in Grundkurse subjects.

The final grades of the Abitur are based on the marks obtained in the examinations and on class performance in all subjects (up to 10) during the last two years of secondary education. A 15-point scale is used for study years 11 - 13 and for the Abitur examinations. The overall result (the assessment of two years' work and the examinations) involves a maximum of 840 points, of which at least 280 must be achieved to pass. The overall result is given in terms of an average grade according to the six-point scale.

Abitur scale where 1 (maximum)……..5/6 fail

22

1 sehr gut (very good)2 gut (good)3 befriedigend (satisfactory)4 ausreichend (adequate)5 mangelhaft (poor)6 ungenügend (very poor)

Subject/examination scale where 15 (maximum)…….3/2/1 fail

15, 14, 13 sehr gut (very good)12, 11, 10 gut (good)9, 8, 7 befriedigend (satisfactory)6, 5, 4 ausreichend (adequate)3, 2, 1 mangelhaft (poor)0 ungenügend (very poor)

Warwick Offers

Offer levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. The very minimum we would consider would be 2 overall (in very exceptional cases) the range 1.5-1.6 overall where 1.3 overall would be suitable for a very competitive course. We would look for scores of 12 and above in specific subject areas. Bavaria is considered one of the more stringently academic states and scores in the range 1 – 1.2 are received by less than 3% of all Abitur students.

23

GREECE

Apolytirion of Eniaio Lykeio (Apolytirion of Unified Lukeion)

Greek students who have completed the Gymnasio (ages 12 –15) can enrol in any upper secondary institution providing they have been awarded the leaving certificate, the Apolytirio Gymnasio, (pupils must generally achieve an average of 10 out of 20 in all the subjects studied). Following the 1997 Education Reform Act there are two types of upper secondary school, the eniaion lykien (unified lykeion) and the Technical Vocational Institute (TEE). The Lykeion provides three years of education and leads to the Apolyterion of Unified Lykieon (from 1997 onwards), with the first awards in 2000.

Curriculum

The Lykeion offers a broad spread of subjects and students select from three streams for their second and third year of study. These are:

Applied sciences - Technology and Production, Computing Sciences and Services Humanities and Social Sciences Pure Sciences – Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Assessment

The Apolyterion takes account of a student's performance throughout Lykeion with external examinations taken after the second and third year (the second year weighted at 30% and the third year 70% of the final grade mark). The new examination consists of 9 + 5 subjects. Nine subjects (four of which are linked to what a student intends to study at university) are assessed nationally and used to determine university entrance. Five are assessed locally

The Apolytirion is assessed on the following scale:

Poor 0 - 5Unsatisfactory 5.1 - 9.4Fairly good 9.5 - 13Good 13.1 - 16Very good 16.1 - 18Excellent 18.1 - 20

Where 10 is the minimum pass mark. Some applicants will also offer the General Entrance Examinations (formerly the Panhellenic Examinations) for admission to higher education in Greece (AEI and TEI) which are taken in 4 subjects. Each subject is marked out of 160 and the minimum pass mark was 80.

24

Warwick Offers

The Apolytirion of Unified Lykeio is comparable to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level and candidates would, therefore, need to offer additional qualifications, which would be equivalent to A-level. As the General Entrance Examination is essentially an exam which tests Apolytirion graduates on a competitive basis it does not represent a higher level of qualification than the Apolytirion itself.

25

HUNGARY

Erettsegi Vizsga/Matura

Secondary education is offered in different types of schools. These include: Grammar School (Gimnazium) - leading to higher education at a university or college, General Secondary School, Secondary Technical School (Szakkozepiskola) and School for Vocational Skills (Szakmunkaskepzo Iskola).

Curriculum

The grammar school curriculum covers: Hungarian language and literature, History, a foreign language, a second foreign language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Drawing and Fine Arts, Physical Education, Occupational Guidance and optional courses.

Assessment

On completion of the course students take the Erettsegi examination (usually at age 18). This is taken in four prescribed subjects. There are oral examinations in Hungarian language and literature, Mathematics, an oral examination in History, a modern foreign language and a written or oral examination in one subject chosen by the pupil (optional). On passing the Erettsegi examination pupils are awarded the qualification Erettsegi/Matura. Students that do not take the Erettsegi examination, receive an upper secondary school completion certificate called the Gimnáziumi bizonyítvány.

The marking system is based on a scale of 1-5 with 2 as the pass mark.

5 jeles Excellent 90 per cent or above4 jo Good 80-89 per cent3 kozepes Average 70-79 per cent2 elegseges Pass 60-69 per cent1 elegtelen Fail below 60 per cent

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually, with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team – general advice is that the Erettsegi can be considered comparable to A-levels. The following equivalency table may be of some help:

Grades Most Common A-level grades5 BBC - AAA 4 CCC - BCC 3 CDD - CCD 2 UEE - DDD 1(fail) UUU - UUE

26

IRELAND (EIRE)

Leaving Certificate – Higher Level

Secondary education is split in to two cycles: the Junior Cycle lasting three years and on completion leads to the award of the Junior Certificate at the age of approx. fifteen, followed by the optional Senior Cycle which lasts for two years leading to the award of the Leaving Certificate.

Curriculum

The Junior Certificate Programme has the core subjects of Irish, English, Mathematics, a science or technological subject and, additionally, three other subjects. For the Senior Cycle subjects are available at either the higher or ordinary levels. The higher level courses cover the same topics as the ordinary level courses, but in greater depth and detail. Normally, students study between six and nine subjects, in addition to Physical Education and Religious Education.

Assessment

The marking scheme for the Leaving Certificate is as follows:

A1 90-100%A2 85-89%B1 80-84%B2 75-79%B3 70-74%C1 65-69%C2 60-64%C3 55-59%D1 50-54%D2 45-49%D3 40-44%E 25-39%F 11-24%

No grade 0-10%

N.B. Papers in the Leaving Certificate may be taken at ordinary or higher level. A grade of A1, A2, B1, B2, B3 or C1, C2 or C3 on a higher level paper is deemed to be an honours grade. Students with grades of A, B, C or D on the ordinary level papers have a pass grade.

Warwick Offers

We would make offers based on six subjects in the Leaving Certificate at Higher level and these are detailed in the current copy of the ‘Directory of Courses for Undergraduates’.

27

ITALY

Diploma di Ensame di Stato (formerly Diploma di Maturita) withOpzione:

Classica, Linguistica, Scientifica, Technica, Professionale, Magistrale and Artistica

The final 5 years of secondary education are spent in a specialised secondary school with courses leading to one of the above options. Classica provides a general academic route to Higher Education; Linguistica for languages; Scientifica for the Sciences, Professionale is vocationally orientated (practical rather than technical) and Magistrale is directed to social science disciplines. We most commonly receive applications from candidates from Liceo Classica and Liceo Scientifica.

Curriculum

Subjects studied at Liceo Classica include: Italian, Latin, Greek, History and Civics, Philosophy, Natural Science, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics, Physics, Art, History, Religious instruction (Catholic Religion/other subject) and Physical Education

whereas at the Liceo Scientifico subjects studied include: Italian, Latin, Foreign language and literature, History and Civics, Philosophy, Natural Science, Chemistry, Geography, Physics, Mathematics, Drawing, Religious Instruction and Physical Education.

Assessment

Marks are based on the grading scale 60 (pass) –100 (max). As to the score distribution, an Examining Board may attribute a maximum of 45 points to each student's performance in the three written exams (maximum 15 points each) and a maximum of 35 to the oral exam. The rest is reserved for the assessment of the candidate's coursework and extra-curricular activities.

Warwick Offers

Offer levels vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. We would look for a score in excess of 85 for less competitive courses and a score of 95 for very competitive courses.

28

LATVIA

Atestats par Visparejo Videjo Izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education).

After completing nine years compulsory education, pupils can select from three main options to continue their secondary education, general secondary education, vocational secondary education and specialist secondary education. General secondary education lasts three years and includes the study of one of four programmes, general, Natural Sciences, Humanities and Vocational, of which seven subjects are compulsory for all students and others are compulsory depending on the programme studied. Students are also free to choose up to 25% of their courses. General secondary education is mainly aimed at students intending to go on to higher education.

Curriculum

The seven compulsory subjects are: Latvian language and literature, Mathematics, a foreign language, History, Physical Education, Applied Informatics and Basics of Business.

The seven elective subjects are chosen from the following: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science and Information Technology, Economic Geography, Basics of Business, Technical Drawing, Visual Arts, Housekeeping, a second foreign language. Human Nature and Society, Music, History of Culture, History of Religion and Drama. This may include other subjects proposed by the school and approved by the Ministry of Education and Science.

Two different curriculum levels - basic (pamatkurss) and advanced (profilkurss) - are offered in each subject and at least one subject has to be taken at advanced level.

Assessment

On successful completion of general secondary school pupils are awarded an Atestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education). Students have to complete the courses in their chosen programme and pass five final examinations, including two examinations in compulsory subjects (Latvian language and literature and another examination which is set nationally each year) and three examinations to be chosen by the student. One of these five examinations must be chosen at the advanced level of the respective subject. The examinations can be taken in years 10, 11 or 12 if the course has been completed. Content and evaluation of the examinations is administered by the Education Content and Examination Centre (ECEC).

The current marking system is based on a six point scale: A, B, C, D, E and F and the Certificate of General Secondary Education is accompanied by a list of marks given to 12 subjects, including 5 compulsory and 7 elective. From these subjects at least 2 must be marked as profilkurss (advanced). Others are marked as pamatkurss (basic course).

29

Warwick OffersAtestats par visparejo videjo izglitibu (Certificate of General Secondary Education) is comparable to GCSE level and candidates would, therefore, need to offer additional qualifications equivalent to A-level.

30

LITHUANIA

Secondary School Diploma / Maturity Certificate

Children attend school from the age of six. General education consists of primary (Grades 1-4), junior secondary (Basic) (Grades 5-10) and senior secondary education (Grades 11-12). The comprehensive basic school education (Grades 1-10) is compulsory. Students can complete secondary education at a general education school, gymnasium, boarding school, special school or vocational school. These courses are four years in length, covering Grades 9 to 12. Programmes offered include the humanities, natural sciences, technical/commercial subjects and a broader curriculum covering all subjects. Gymnasiums provide in depth specialist education and set high requirements of students. Gymnasiums specialise in humanities and arts, fine arts students study for six to nine years. On completion of education at a Gymnasium, students receive the maturity certificate. Students completing general secondary education may attend courses at a Junior College which last between two and four years. Some courses are accredited by a higher education institution and the courses with appropriate modules may be transferred to higher education courses in Lithuania.

Curriculum

A broad curriculum is followed depending on specialisation followed.

Assessment

The following grades are used in assessment, 10 (max…..1):

Pass/Fail Literal Evaluation Score % of max knowledge demandedPass Excellent 10 92-100%

Very Good 9 82-91% Good 8 74-81% Highly Satisfactory 7 66-73% Satisfactory 6 58-65% Sufficient 5 50-57%

Fail Insufficient 4 40-49% Highly Insufficient 3 30-39% Poor 2 20-29% Very Poor 1 0-19%

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team. The Secondary School Diploma / Maturity Certificate is considered comparable to GCE Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level and candidates would need to offer additional qualifications which should be equivalent to A-level.

31

LUXEMBOURG

Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires

The general secondary education system covers seven years and comprises two cycles: lower and upper stage. The lower stage lasts three years (classes septième, sixième, cinquième), whilst upper stage lasts four years (classes quatrième, troisième, deuxième, première). In addition the upper stage is divided into a cycle polyvant (quatrième and troisième) and a cycle de spécialisation (deuxième and première). Successful students are awarded the Diplôme de Fin d'Etudes Secondaires (secondary education completion diploma) after examination at the end of the cycle de spécialisation which gives access to higher education. The medium of instruction at upper secondary level is French, although German is used in some subjects.

Curriculum

Students specialise in either a literary or scientific stream for the Upper Stage. The curriculum is similar in the first two years (cycle polyvant) apart from the difficulty of maths studied and specialisation towards the stream taken through two optional subjects. The second stage (cycle de spécialisation) requires students to choose a specific section within the literary or scientific streams.

Stream Section Main subjects

Literary

A1 languages, human sciencesA2 human and social sciences, economicsE fine arts and craftsF Music

ScientificB mathematics, physicsC natural sciences, mathematicsD economics, mathematics

Assessment

Marks Comment 50-60 trés bien very good 40-49 bien good 30-39 satisfaisant satisfactory 20-29 insuffisant unsatisfactory 10-19 mauvais bad 1-9 trés mauvais very bad

Warwick Offers

We have very few applications from candidates offering this qualification but offers can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. The pass rate for the Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires was 87.9% and 86.7% for 2000/1 and 2001/2 respectively and candidates awarded the Diploma were graded as follows:

32

1998/9 1999/2000 2000/1 2001/2tres bien 11.4 11.4 9.5 9.2bien 49.1 45.2 45.7 47.2assez bien 29.4 32.3 32.7 34.3satisfaisant 10.1 11.2 12.1 9.4

Students who achieve 50 points or more within the tres bien range may be regarded as outstanding – less than 1% achieve 54 or more. For very competitive courses we would consider offers of 48 overall.

33

MALTA

Matriculation Certificate

Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 (grades 1-11). There are 7 years of secondary education. The last 2 years constitute the sixth form and prepares students for the Matriculation Certificate Examination of the University of Malta. Secondary education is offered in either, the junior lyceum where entrance is selective and secondary school.

Curriculum

Students follow a common core, together with optional subjects, including: Maltese, English, a foreign language, Religious Education, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies, Physical Education and two optional subjects for students in Junior Lyceums and one optional subject for students in Secondary schools. Students can then attend junior college (run by the University of Malta, preparing students specifically for a university course), sixth forms and upper lyceums preparing students for university entrance.

Assessment

Students are assessed by means of school-based, half-yearly examinations and by national examinations annually. At the end of their compulsory secondary education, students take the Secondary Education Certificate Examination, run by the University of Malta in collaboration with the Education Division or the GCE/IGCSE Ordinary level examinations of British Boards. Entrance into the upper lyceums and sixth forms requires six passes in the Secondary Education Certificate Examination or passes in six GCE O level subjects (including Maltese, English, mathematics, physics, or biology, or chemistry). Students at the junior college, the upper lyceums and sixth forms sit for the Matriculation Certificate Examination or for GCE Advanced level examinations of British Boards.

The Matriculation Certificate incorporates two subjects taken at Advanced Level, three subjects taken at Intermediate Level and the subject, Systems of Knowledge. To gain the Matriculation Certificate, passes are required in a language, a science subject, a subject from the humanities group and Systems of Knowledge. Grades in each subject are awarded as well as an overall grade which is calculated on the performance of the candidate in all subjects taken, i.e. six subjects (two at Advanced Level and three at Intermediate Level and Systems of Knowledge).

The Matriculation Certificate Examination at Advanced and Intermediate levels offered by the University of Malta is marked on a six point scale with grades A (maximum) - E (signifying pass) and F - Fail.

Warwick Offers

34

Each application should be considered individually although the Advanced Matriculation Certificate is considered in general, comparable to GCE Advanced level overall.NETHERLANDS (HOLLAND)

Diploma Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) (Gymnasium A/B and Atheneum A/B) Diplomas (University Preparatory Education)

Students have the choice of a general secondary education (including the HAVO examinations), senior general education (VWO) as pre-university education. Alternatively, students may attend vocational secondary education (VMBO): this sector attracts the majority of students (around 60 per cent).

Curriculum

VWO, university preparatory education, covers six years and takes three forms, Atheneum, Gymnasium and ongedeeld (unified) VWO. The Gymnasium and Atheneum offer two streams of VWO education - A-stream emphasises the humanities and B-stream the sciences. The unified VWO makes no distinction between the two branches. The Atheneum has a common curriculum for the first three years of VWO, the Gymnasia has a common curriculum for the first three or four years. In the final two years of the course, students mainly study the seven subjects in which they will take the final VWO examinations. Five subjects are compulsory at the Gymnasium and Atheneum, two or three are compulsory for the unified VWO programmes.

Pupils focus on an average of 15 subjects included in one of four subject profiles and during the last two or three years, complete the requirements within that profile. The four subject profiles are:

Nature and Technology (Natuur en Techniek) Nature and Health (Natuur en Gezandheid) Economics and Society (Economie en Maatschappij) Culture and Society (cultuur en Maatschappij)

Each profile consists of a group of subjects common to all profiles (approx. 50% of all subjects studied), a group of subjects relevant to the profile in question (approx. 30%) and a group of elective subjects (20%).

Assessment

Some of the subjects may be examined internally by the school in the penultimate year. All subjects examined nationally (between six and eight for VWO) are examined at the end of the last year. Diplomas are accompanied by an examendossier (examination file), listing results in all upper-secondary subjects.

The marking scheme used is on a scale of 0 -10 (maximum) with a minimum pass-mark of six.

35

10 uitmuntend excellent9 zeer goed very good8 goed good7 ruim voldoende very satisfactory6 voldoende pass5 bijna voldoende almost satisfactory4 onvoldoende unsatisfactory3 zeer onvoldoende very unsatisfactory2 slecht poor1 zeer slecht very poor

Note: Although a 4 is unsatisfactory and a 5 not a full pass, school pupils are allowed a maximum of one 4 or two 5s on their leaving certificate, provided these are compensated for by high marks in other subjects.

Warwick Offers

We have very few applications from candidates offering this qualification but offers can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for.

Grades Most Common A-Level Grades 10 ABB - AAA 9 BBB 8 BCC - BBC 7 CCD - CCC 6 UEE - CDD < 6 (fail) UUU - UUE

The above table is a very general guide and feedback from Dutch schools indicates that a 10 is very rarely awarded – it may be more suitable to base an offer for a very competitive course at 9 overall. Each application should be considered individually.

36

POLAND

Matura / Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci

The education system consists of 6 years primary education (starting from the age of 6), 3 years of secondary general education (Gymnasium) and 3 years of specialised secondary education (Lyceum - liceum ogólnoksztalcace and liceum profilowane) or 2 years of vocational school. Education in secondary schools culminates in the Matriculation examination (Egzamin Dojrzalosci). Successful students are awarded the Matriculation Certificate of General Secondary School (Swiadectwo Dojrzalosci OgÓlnoksztalcacego).

Curriculum

The new Polish secondary education from 1999 is described below; the previous secondary education system is being discontinued and will have been phased out by 2005. The new reformed system of secondary education consists of a compulsory 3-year cycle of non-specialised broad general secondary education provided by gymnasium. Subjects offered include Philosophy, European Education, Polish Culture against Mediterranean Civilisation, Economics and Civil Defence. At the end of form II pupils take pre-orientation exams. At this stage a 16-year-old makes his/her first choice regarding the direction of further education on the basis of an aptitude test which is a qualifying entrance examination to Lyceum. From 2002, the final gymnasium examination has been compulsory and covers knowledge and skills in Humanities, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, the results are given on the final school certificates.

Assessment

The following grading scheme is used:

6 celujacy excellent 5 bardzo dobry very good 4 dobry good 3 dostateczny satisfactory 2 mierny mediocre 1 niedostateczny unsatisfactory

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team – general advice is that the Matura can be considered comparable to A-levels.

37

PORTUGAL

Diploma de Ensino Secundario

The first three years of compulsory secondary education (years 7 to 9) finish at the age of 15, followed by optional upper secondary education covering three years. Students choose to follow either the academic or the technical stream.

Curriculum

Students following the academic stream, the curso complementar (complementary course) in years 10 and 11, take four compulsory subjects: Portuguese, a foreign language, Philosophy and Physical Education. In addition, they must choose to follow one programme from the groups: Humanities, Natural-scientific Studies, Social-economic Studies, Scientific-technological Studies and Visual Arts. Students are required to take three or four compulsory subjects and several options. In all groups except Humanities, Mathematics is compulsory. Students in year 12 continue to study their chosen subjects but only study one compulsory and two optional subjects. In this final year of secondary education, the academic stream aims to focus on the areas to be followed at higher education level.

Assessment

The Diploma de Ensino Secundario is awarded after examinations at the end of year 11. The following marking scheme is used where 10 is a pass:

18 - 20 muito bom very good 17 - 14 bom good 13 - 10 suficiente satisfactory 9 - 5 mediocre poor 4 - 0 mau very poor

Warwick Offers

Offers vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. Offers in the range 18 – 18.5 overall with 18 in specified subject(s) would be suitable for a very competitive course (A-level grades AAB where grade A is required in a specified A-level). We would not recommend offers below 16 overall.

38

SLOVAKIA

Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej skúske or Maturita.

There are nine years of basic education followed by a four or five year upper secondary course. Basic education is compulsory for children aged between 6 and 15. Five types of schools provide upper secondary education: General Secondary Schools (gymnázium), Secondary Vocational Schools (stredne odborné uciliste), Specialised Secondary Schools (stredná odborná škola), Apprentice Training Centres (odborné uciliste) and Conservatoires (konzervatórium). Courses normally last four years, leading to the matriculation examination, Vysvedcenie o Maturitnej skúske or Maturita.

Curriculum

At secondary school students can specialise in either Science, the Humanities or Mathematics but also study core subjects, including: Teaching language and literature (Slovak or other), two modern languages, Mathematics, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Information Science, Civics, Aesthetics and Ethics/Religion.

Assessment

The Maturita examination is normally taken in four subjects: Slovak language and literature, one modern language or Mathematics and two optional subjects. The Maturita examination results in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate and the following grading scheme is used:

1 výborný excellent 2 velmi dobrý very good 3 dobrý good 4 dostatocný satisfactory 5 nedostatocný fail

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team – general advice is that the Maturita can be considered comparable to A-levels.

39

SLOVENIA

Matura/Secondary School-Leaving Diploma

The eight years of primary education are compulsory for children aged between six and a half and fifteen. Secondary education is provided at different types of schools, set up for different purposes, e.g. further studies or employment. Pupils can make a choice of one of the following schools: Grammar School (gimnazija), Technical/Professional School (tehnica šola, strokovna šola), Vocational School (poklicna šola) and Lower Vocational School.

Curriculum

The final examinations at primary school are externally marked and comprise mother tongue, Mathematics, a foreign language, a Natural Science and a Social Science.Foreign languages are introduced in the fifth year. Pupils can choose between English and German.

At grammar school pupils prepare for admission to higher education. They study for four years, following a general curriculum which covers three basic areas: compulsory subjects (which cover 80 per cent of the schooling), courses for in-depth study of specific subject areas (such as preparation for the Matura examination) and compulsory electives (according to the aptitudes of individual students). This system is designed to allow students some specialisation in their field of interest, e.g. Science/Mathematics, Humanities, as well as choosing optional subjects for the final examination.

Assessment

The Matura is a state examination consisting of five subjects, three of which are compulsory: mother tongue, Mathematics and a foreign language. The mother tongue for the majority of candidates is Slovene, although Hungarian and Italian-speaking minorities may choose their own national language. Two optional subjects must be chosen from four subject areas:

Natural Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics Foreign languages: the same as those in the compulsory part of the examination, plus Latin as a classical language. Humanities and Social Sciences: Geography, History, History of Art, Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology. Technical and Vocational subjects: Economy, Law, Art Theory, Electronics, Geodesy, Civil Engineering, Woodworking, Mechanics, Nautics, Computing and Mining.

All subjects are externally assessed. The written part of the examination accounts for between 80 - 100% of the final mark. In addition to the written papers, some subjects include additional forms of assessment conducted within the school, accounting for 20% of the final mark:

40

The Natural Sciences include experimental work Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and some technical subjects include project work Mother tongues, foreign languages and Mathematics include oral examinations.

Marking is on scale 1 - 5 (maximum), with 2 as a minimum pass-mark.

5 excellent4 very good3 satisfactory2 pass

Successful students of the Matura secondary school leaving certificate also receive a point score derived from the sum of their subject grades, with extra points for subjects taken at the higher level. For candidates who have decided to take an extra optional subject, the best two are taken into account for the point score / overall grade of the examination

Warwick Offers

Each application should be considered individually with guidance from the Undergraduate Admissions Team – general advice is that the Matura can be considered comparable to A-levels.

41

SPAIN

Titulo de Bachillero

Compulsory secondary education lasts for four years and leads to the award of the Graduado en Educacion Secundario. This can then be followed by a further optional two years (age 16 to 18) for the Bachillerato qualification.

Curriculum

There are four different types of Bachillerato with different specialisations: Arts, Natural and Health Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences and Technology. Common core subjects form the general education for all students, with additional subjects for each type of Bachillerato. The common core subjects are Physical Education, Philosophy, History, Spanish language and a foreign language. On completion of the Bachillerato students are able to take the university entrance examinations – the Selectividad a group of 6 or 7 tests set jointly by the universities of each region.

Assessment

The following grading system is used for both the Titulo de Bachiller and the Selectividad:

Grade Description Translation10 sobresaliente (matricula de honor) Distinction

8.5 - 9 sobresaliente Outstanding7 - 8.4 notable very good6 - 6.9 bien Good5 - 6 suficiente Satisfactory

below 5 suspenso or insuficiente Fail

Warwick Offers

Offers vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. Offers in the range 8.5 – 9 overall, with 9 in specified subject(s) would be suitable for a very competitive course (A-level grades AAB where grade A is required in a specified A-level). We would not recommend offers below 8 overall.

42

SWEDEN

Fullstandigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan

In Sweden students generally enter upper secondary school (gymnasium) at the age of 16, after completing nine years of comprehensive schooling. Mature applicants, who acquire varying degrees of work experience instead of coming straight from compulsory school may be older. Consequently, it is not unusual for upper secondary school graduates to be between 17 and 20 years of age. Students up to the age of 20 are entitled to start upper secondary school. In Sweden, upper secondary school includes both theoretical programmes, and a wide selection of vocational programmes and special courses.

Curriculum

In Upper Secondary School students can take one of 17 National Programmes providing broad based general education and qualifications which lead to higher education. National Programmes last three years and consist of eight core subjects English, the Arts, Physical and Health Education, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Social Studies, Swedish and Religious Education. The Natural Science and Social Science programmes focus more on university entranceEach National Programme consists of 2,500 credits, with each course on the programme worth a certain amount of credits. Students need to obtain a minimum of 2,500 credits to complete upper secondary education, which is expected to take three years, although the amount of teaching time varies between programmes so some can be completed within two years and others take beyond three. Students can take subjects at different levels and this is indicated as Maths A, Maths B etc to a maximum level of Maths E.

Assessment

Grades are criteria related and a top grade is given when there is an indication of exceptional results. The grading scheme used is as follows:

Mycket val godkand MVG Pass with special distinction/ExcellentVal godkand VG Pass with distinction/Very Good Godkand G Pass Icke Godkand IG Fail

Warwick Offers

Offers vary depending upon the level of competition for places on the course and can be expressed as an overall score with specific scores in subject areas relevant to the degree applied for. We would normally look for a minimum of MVG overall with MVG in specific subjects for competitive courses (A-level grades AAB/ABB where grade A is required in a specified A-level).

43