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
Belgium
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland (Eire)
Italy
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
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9
11
12
13
14
16
17
19
21
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
33
34
36
37
38
39
41
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
2
3
4
very poor
poor
mediocre
satisfactory
5
6
7
good
very good
excellent
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 Section
Compulsory Subjects
Elective Subject
1
2
3
Language I 4 or
Advanced Language I 6
Biology 2
Latin* 4
Language II 3 or
History 2
Ancient Greek * 4
Advanced Language II 5
Geography 2 Geography 4
Mathematics three
periods 3 or
Mathematics five
Philosophy 4
periods 5
Philosophy 2
Language III 4
Religion/Ethics 1
Physical Education 2
Language IV* 4
History 4
Economics*4
Complementary Subjects
4
5
Practical
Physics 2
Advanced
Practical
Mathematics +
Chemistry 2
3
Practical
Biology 2
Computing 2
Elementary
Economics@ 2
Sociology 2
Art@ 2
Music@ 2
6
Physics 4
Chemistry 4
Biology 4
Art 4
Music 4
Physical
Education 2
etc 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
85 - 89.99
80 - 84.99
75 - 79.99
70 - 74.99
65 - 69.99
60 - 64.99
Less than 59.99
Total candidates=3,347
2.33
7.93
15.87
17.70
20.55
19.42
12.70
3.50
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
2
3
4
5
sehr gut
gut
befriedigend
genügend
nicht genügend
Very good
Good
Satisfactory
Pass
Fail
The Reifeprüfung certificate also states an average of subject grades classified as
follows:
Mit ausgezeichnetem Erfolg bestanden
Mit gutem Erfolg bestanden
Bestanden
Nicht bestanden
pass with high distinction
pass with distinction
pass
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
Pass high distinction
Pass distinction
Pass
Fail
Most Common A-Level Grades
BBB - AAA
BCC - BBC
UEE - CCC
UUU – UUE
10
BELGIUM
Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Superieur (French speaking
community)
Getuignschrift van Hoger Secundair Onderwijs (Flemish speaking
community
Abschluszeugnis 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 threeyear 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
2
3
4
5
výborný
chvalitebný
dobrý
dostatecný
nedostatecný
excellent
very good
good
pass
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
11
10
9
8
7
6
05
03
00
Given for the exceptionally independent and excellent
performance (very rare)
Given for the independent and excellent performance
Given for excellent, but not particularly independent
performance
Given for the good performance a little above average
Given for the average performance
Given for the mediocre performance, slightly below average
Given for the just acceptable performance
Given for the hesitant and not satisfactory performance
Given for the very hesitant, very insufficient and unsatisfactory
performance
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
13 – 10.5
10
9.5
9
8.5
8
7.5
7
6.5
6
0
Most Common A-Level Grades
AAA
AAB
BBA - BBB
BBC
CCB - CCC
CCD
CDD
DDD - DDE
DEE
EEE - EEU
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
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
Finnish
erinomainen
kiitettävä
hyvä
tyydyttävä
kohtalainen
välttävä
hylätty
Swedish
utmärkt
berömlig
god
nojaktig
försvarlig
hjälplig
underkänd
English
excellent
praiseworthy
good
satisfactory
moderate
adequate
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
is made by a centralised body called the National Matriculation Examination Board
(ylioppilastutkintolautakunta / studentexamensnämnden).
17
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)
Laudatur
Eximia cum laude
approbatur
Magna cum laude
approbatur
Cum laude approbatur
Lubenter approbatur
Approbatur
Improbatur
Meaning and
Distribution of grades
corresponding
in per cent
points of grades
Excellent, 7
5%
Exceptionally good,
15 %
6
Very good, 5
20 %
Good, 4
Satisfactory, 3
Pass, 2
Fail, 0
24 %
20 %
11 %
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
L
E
M
C
B
A
I (fail)
Most Common A-Level Grades
AAB - AAA
BBC - ABB
BCC
CCD - CCC
DDD - CDD
UEE - DDE
UUU - UUE
18
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
ES
S
Literature (arts based)
Economics and Social Sciences
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
ES
S
Literature and second foreign language
Economics (include Maths) and a second foreign language
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
15-14
13-12
11-10
tres bien
bien
assez bien
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
Tres Bien
Bien
Assez Bien
% of candidates
2
8
22
19
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.
20
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
1
sehr gut
(very good)
21
2
3
4
5
6
gut
befriedigend
ausreichend
mangelhaft
ungenügend
(good)
(satisfactory)
(adequate)
(poor)
(very poor)
Subject/examination scale where 15 (maximum)…….3/2/1 fail
15, 14, 13
12, 11, 10
9, 8, 7
6, 5, 4
3, 2, 1
0
sehr gut
gut
befriedigend
ausreichend
mangelhaft
ungenügend
(very good)
(good)
(satisfactory)
(adequate)
(poor)
(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.
22
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
Unsatisfactory
Fairly good
Good
Very good
Excellent
0-5
5.1 - 9.4
9.5 - 13
13.1 - 16
16.1 - 18
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.
23
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.
24
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
4
3
2
1
jeles
jo
kozepes
elegseges
elegtelen
Excellent
Good
Average
Pass
Fail
90 per cent or above
80-89 per cent
70-79 per cent
60-69 per cent
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
5
4
3
2
1(fail)
Most Common A-level grades
BBC - AAA
CCC - BCC
CDD - CCD
UEE - DDD
UUU - UUE
25
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
A2
B1
B2
B3
C1
C2
C3
D1
D2
D3
E
F
No grade
90-100%
85-89%
80-84%
75-79%
70-74%
65-69%
60-64%
55-59%
50-54%
45-49%
40-44%
25-39%
11-24%
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’.
26
ITALY
Diploma di Ensame di Stato (formerly Diploma di Maturita) with
Opzione:
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.
27
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).
28
Warwick Offers
Atestats 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.
29
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 110) 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
Pass
Fail
Literal Evaluation
Excellent
Very Good
Good
Highly Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sufficient
Insufficient
Highly Insufficient
Poor
Very Poor
Score
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
% of max knowledge demanded
92-100%
82-91%
74-81%
66-73%
58-65%
50-57%
40-49%
30-39%
20-29%
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.
30
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
A1
A2
E
F
B
C
D
Literary
Scientific
Main subjects
languages, human sciences
human and social sciences, economics
fine arts and crafts
Music
mathematics, physics
natural sciences, mathematics
economics, mathematics
Assessment
Marks
50-60
40-49
30-39
20-29
10-19
1-9
Comment
trés bien
bien
satisfaisant
insuffisant
mauvais
trés mauvais
very good
good
satisfactory
unsatisfactory
bad
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:
31
tres bien
bien
assez bien
satisfaisant
1998/9
11.4
49.1
29.4
10.1
1999/2000
11.4
45.2
32.3
11.2
2000/1
9.5
45.7
32.7
12.1
2001/2
9.2
47.2
34.3
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.
32
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
Each application should be considered individually although the Advanced
Matriculation Certificate is considered in general, comparable to GCE Advanced
level overall.
33
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 passmark of six.
10
9
8
7
uitmuntend
zeer goed
goed
ruim voldoende
excellent
very good
good
very satisfactory
34
6
5
4
3
2
1
voldoende
bijna voldoende
onvoldoende
zeer onvoldoende
slecht
zeer slecht
pass
almost satisfactory
unsatisfactory
very unsatisfactory
poor
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.
35
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 3year 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
5
4
3
2
1
celujacy
bardzo dobry
dobry
dostateczny
mierny
niedostateczny
excellent
very good
good
satisfactory
mediocre
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.
36
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
17 - 14
13 - 10
9 - 5
4 - 0
muito bom
bom
suficiente
mediocre
mau
very good
good
satisfactory
poor
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.
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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
2
3
4
5
výborný
velmi dobrý
dobrý
dostatocný
nedostatocný
excellent
very good
good
satisfactory
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.
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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 Italianspeaking 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:
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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
4
3
2
excellent
very good
satisfactory
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.
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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
10
8.5 - 9
7 - 8.4
6 - 6.9
5-6
below 5
Description
sobresaliente (matricula de honor)
sobresaliente
notable
bien
suficiente
suspenso or insuficiente
Translation
Distinction
Outstanding
very good
Good
Satisfactory
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.
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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 entrance
Each 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
Val godkand
Godkand
Icke Godkand
MVG
VG
G
IG
Pass with special distinction/Excellent
Pass with distinction/Very Good
Pass
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).
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