Seanus
15 May 2011
News / Dumbing-down in Polish schools and the Matura [185]
Monia, you don't even know what point you are making. What's your point? That it's 'maturity exam'? A term unbeknown to native speakers! Thank you, Maaarysia :) :) :) Back on track at last :)
OK, let me address your points. A barrier? Yes and no. For example, whilst not being a bad student, I wouldn't say I was a good one in 1995 when I was doing my Revised Highers (and normal Highers too, our equivalent of the Matura, a Polish construct). Whilst the top ones were getting AAAAA or AAAAB (you have 1-5 and 6 in Polish, as you know, of course), I got BBBCCCC. Now, under the gaze of critical eyes, that's bad. However, one year later, I was scoring first (70%+) and upper-second passes (60-69%) in Law and Management (decidedly harder than secondary school level stuff). The first year, in retrospect, was the hardest thematically. I was given a chance to shine and I took it. Please please please, don't make the mistake of shunning pupils too early. I say that as a cautionary tale as you can scar them for life if they don't make the grade (forgive the pun) when they have to. It's damaging and you could produce a generation of self debasers that were crippled by the system being overly strict. That's why some dumbing down is needed. Teachers here go flat out to help them through.
I'm all for access courses to certain courses. My mum had to do one. In Scotland, we have sth that we call Sixth Year Studies (SYS) courses. They can act as an effective substitute and complement the knowledge gained in the 5th year. It is great preparation for university.
The point about it being free? Well, what is the dropout rate in most universities here? If people take it seriously then there is no issue. Many don't have a clear idea, Maaarysia, as their heads have been crammed with all manner of different subjects.
Also, like I said before, it shouldn't be black and white. People change their minds and they are allowed to. Furthermore, in Scotland, new universities like my first one used to be polytechnics. The emphasis is placed on a blend of academic and vocational/generic elements. Work experience is mandatory/compulsory in the third year of many courses. You can also choose your specialisms in the fourth year (which we call the Honours year).
I feel that, with sufficient parental support, tuition and coaching from uni staff, students can thrive and aim to excel throughout their student days. Closing the door early days by making it too hard for them to get there in the first place is counter-productive. As ever, it's a case of balance.
For clarification, it's Matura here, Highers (Revised) in Scotland and A-Levels in England. No need for any wrong translations like mature or maturity exam, thanks. I believe the Irish say 'Leaving Certificate' without translating it into Gaelic ;) ;)
Monia, you don't even know what point you are making. What's your point? That it's 'maturity exam'? A term unbeknown to native speakers! Thank you, Maaarysia :) :) :) Back on track at last :)
OK, let me address your points. A barrier? Yes and no. For example, whilst not being a bad student, I wouldn't say I was a good one in 1995 when I was doing my Revised Highers (and normal Highers too, our equivalent of the Matura, a Polish construct). Whilst the top ones were getting AAAAA or AAAAB (you have 1-5 and 6 in Polish, as you know, of course), I got BBBCCCC. Now, under the gaze of critical eyes, that's bad. However, one year later, I was scoring first (70%+) and upper-second passes (60-69%) in Law and Management (decidedly harder than secondary school level stuff). The first year, in retrospect, was the hardest thematically. I was given a chance to shine and I took it. Please please please, don't make the mistake of shunning pupils too early. I say that as a cautionary tale as you can scar them for life if they don't make the grade (forgive the pun) when they have to. It's damaging and you could produce a generation of self debasers that were crippled by the system being overly strict. That's why some dumbing down is needed. Teachers here go flat out to help them through.
I'm all for access courses to certain courses. My mum had to do one. In Scotland, we have sth that we call Sixth Year Studies (SYS) courses. They can act as an effective substitute and complement the knowledge gained in the 5th year. It is great preparation for university.
The point about it being free? Well, what is the dropout rate in most universities here? If people take it seriously then there is no issue. Many don't have a clear idea, Maaarysia, as their heads have been crammed with all manner of different subjects.
Also, like I said before, it shouldn't be black and white. People change their minds and they are allowed to. Furthermore, in Scotland, new universities like my first one used to be polytechnics. The emphasis is placed on a blend of academic and vocational/generic elements. Work experience is mandatory/compulsory in the third year of many courses. You can also choose your specialisms in the fourth year (which we call the Honours year).
I feel that, with sufficient parental support, tuition and coaching from uni staff, students can thrive and aim to excel throughout their student days. Closing the door early days by making it too hard for them to get there in the first place is counter-productive. As ever, it's a case of balance.
For clarification, it's Matura here, Highers (Revised) in Scotland and A-Levels in England. No need for any wrong translations like mature or maturity exam, thanks. I believe the Irish say 'Leaving Certificate' without translating it into Gaelic ;) ;)