- Elimination of Additional Academic Assessments Beyond the Curriculum
Hamburg Skips Final Exams for High Schoolers in Grade 10, Relaxing Pressure
Senator for Schools Ksenija Bekeris announced that Hamburg will no longer require written and oral exams for students at the end of middle school for gymnasium students. The move is aimed at reducing the intense pressure experienced in grade 10, as per Bekeris, who spoke with "Hamburger Abendblatt". Additional relief measures are being explored in collaboration with schools, including for comprehensive schools. The students return to school on Thursday after a six-week summer break.
Bekeris: Evaluating Student Progress Without Tests
For two decades, students have undergone five-hour exams in German, mathematics, and a foreign language to determine if they're likely to pursue an intermediate or university entrance qualification. However, Bekeris states, "We now have an extensive network of student performance studies across the grades, allowing us to accurately evaluate the individual development of each student without conducting exams."
Upon entering upper secondary school, gymnasium students are automatically awarded the intermediate school leaving certificate. Individuals failing to meet the criteria receive the former intermediate school leaving certificate following a separate exam, provided the grades meet the certificate requirements.
Bekeris Opposes a Return to G9 in Gymnasiums
Bekeris firmly opposes returning to the nine-year gymnasium, stating, "There are numerous students who excel in G8 and do not require additional time. Conversely, there are those who need an additional year to complete their Abitur, for whom we have comprehensive schools offering G9 in Hamburg." Bekeris finds the choice between the two options, available throughout Hamburg, entirely fitting. However, the "G9 Hamburg - More Time for Learning" initiative disagrees and plans to collect signatures from September 10 onwards to advocate for the reintroduction of the nine-year gymnasium.
The decision to skip final exams for grade 10 gymnasium students in Hamburg will significantly benefit the children, as it aims to reduce the stress and pressure they often face. The Senator for Schools, Ksenija Bekeris, believes that the extensive network of student performance studies can accurately evaluate a child's individual development without the need for exams.
