A significant change for high school students in Poland is set to take place on January 11, 2025, with the implementation of an amendment to the Education Law. This reform introduces new regulations, particularly regarding external examinations, which are expected to bring relief to students, especially high school graduates.
No More 30% Threshold for Matura Exams
One of the most notable changes concerns the Matura exam, which is taken by students in their final year of high school. Previously, in order to pass the exam, students were required to score at least 30% in written exams at the basic level (Polish, mathematics, and a foreign language), as well as in oral exams in Polish and a foreign language. Additionally, students had to take at least one extended exam in an additional subject.
Under the new amendment, the 30% pass threshold for one of the extended subjects in the Matura exam will be waived for students in the school years 2024/2025, 2025/2026, and 2026/2027. This change comes as a relief for students, especially after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to disruptions in education and the postponement of this requirement.
Changes to Foreign Language Requirements
The amendment also brings clarity to the foreign language requirements for the Matura exam. Students will now have the option to choose a language they did not learn in school as their compulsory foreign language subject. For graduates of bilingual schools, the new law will require them to take the Matura exam in a foreign language at the bilingual level. This provision will come into effect on September 1, 2025.
New Regulations for Exam Procedures and Technology
In addition to these changes, the amendment introduces provisions aimed at improving exam procedures. One significant change allows students to bring telecommunications devices that monitor their health to the exam. Moreover, two new roles will be introduced: the examiner-verifier and the IT lab operator. Examiner-verifiers will be tasked with additional checks of exam grades, while IT lab operators will be responsible for preparing computer equipment for the Matura exam and vocational exams in computer science.
Changes to Textbooks and Educational Funding
The amendment also addresses the use of textbooks in schools. It now mandates that textbooks clearly mark content that goes beyond the core curriculum. Furthermore, schools must provide digital versions of textbooks that were approved before 2020.
Regarding the co-financing of education for juvenile workers, the new regulations reverse the previous proportions of funding. Now, 75% of the funding will go toward the student’s education, while 25% will cover the cost of the exam.
These changes are designed to make the exam process smoother for students and to address issues caused by disruptions in education. The amendment, which will take effect in 2025, reflects the Polish government’s commitment to adapting the education system to better support students and educators alike.
