The oral Matura is completely canceled this year. Minister of Education Heinz Faßmann announces that school-leavers will return to school from May 4th.
Eighth grade graduation
The goal is to complete the eighth grade. This is because the achievements from the last school year are part of the school leaving exam this year.
The oral Matura is completely omitted, instead the grade consists of those of the eighth grade and the written Matura.
Written Matura in three subjects
From May 25th, three subjects are to be completed: German, mathematics and a foreign language. There will be mouth guards for all students and there will be enough space for the exam.
Students who belong to a risk group are allowed to write their Matura in a separate room. Those who feel sick – with a medical certificate – the opportunity to start at the autumn appointment. “We are not forcing anyone,” the minister said.
Some have demanded that the math school should be a little easier given the corona crisis. Faßmann rejects this: The Matura shouldn’t be available at a rock-bottom price either. And with the chosen timetable, the special situation was taken into account.
Universities and apprenticeships
Final apprenticeship exams – Faßmann also assures this – will also take place. There are also relief here, the performance of the last vocational school class should also count.
Faßmann receives a concept from universities on how to ramp up operations. Courses with many participants should continue to take place digitally. Research could start again slowly. The minister wants to open libraries again, but the reading rooms – where the risk of infection is high – remain closed.
For exams on a small scale or digitally, Faßmann also sees chances that they will take place. The credo here too: “The corona semester should not be a lost semester.”
Kindergartens are a national issue
What about kindergartens? Here Fassmann refers to the countries, which are responsible for it. However, he would endeavor to ensure that the responsible regional councils find a uniform solution across Austria.
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