High school graduation exam with 4 subjects: Fewer subjects, less pressure.

(Baonghean)The announcement by the Ministry of Education and Training that the high school graduation exam will be shortened from six subjects to four has delighted many parents and students. This change is part of the fundamental and comprehensive reform of education and training as outlined in Resolution No. 29-NQ/TƯ of the Central Committee (11th term)...

Teachers and students of Thai Hoa High School (Thai Hoa Town) are learning about the 2013-2014 high school graduation exam.

The peak period for preparing for the high school graduation exam, scheduled to begin this March, will certainly be less stressful because, although registration hasn't started yet, about 70% of students in the class have already chosen Physics and Chemistry as their two elective subjects – the two "favorite" subjects for students in the science stream (Group A). ​​This information has already had some impact on the students, as at least six requests for leave from tutoring were submitted to the homeroom teacher on Tuesday morning. These are students who previously intended to take exams in Groups A and B, but now that the graduation exam only has four subjects left, they are focusing on the three main subjects. Truong Thi Tham shared: “I plan to apply to Medical University, so my main exam subjects are Group B: Math, Chemistry, and Biology. I'm also studying Physics and intend to take Group A exams because I think I'll be studying for the graduation exam anyway. Now that I can choose my two graduation exam subjects, I'll choose Chemistry and Biology. My parents also support me because they don't want me to study too many subjects and apply to too many schools without achieving high results.”

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Binh, Vice Principal of Thai Hoa High School, the Ministry of Education and Training's decision to reduce the number of subjects in the high school graduation exam from six to four is a correct policy, reducing exam pressure for students. In addition, combining students' academic and behavioral performance in grade 12 with the results of the four exam subjects to determine graduation eligibility (weighted 50% + 50%) is also a positive approach. This helps students become more conscious throughout their studies, eliminating the perceived "heaviness" of minor subjects over major ones, as the combined scores of all subjects are equal. The school is currently awaiting the official document from the Ministry before planning its graduation exam preparation, but it can be confidently stated that the quality of this year's graduation will not be lower than last year because students have had more time to prepare and can choose subjects that match their abilities and level.

The current exam format, consisting of four subjects – two compulsory core subjects, Literature and Mathematics – plus two elective subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, and Foreign Language, is considered a positive step forward. This approach maintains the graduation exam while minimizing pressure on students. Teachers of these subjects cannot afford to be negligent or feel disadvantaged, as it's rare for all students to have the same elective subject. Students benefit because, according to current calculations, each student only needs to study one additional subject for the graduation exam. They will naturally have to study the remaining three subjects if they want to enter university. Using academic transcripts for graduation assessment is a way to maintain comprehensive education, including subjects previously not included in the graduation exam, such as Physical Education, Informatics, and Engineering.

From the perspective of the Education sector, according to Mr. Nguyen Hoang – Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Training: This format only reduces the burden on students, while the education sector will face more complexities (such as preparing exam questions, extending the exam time for 8 subjects – including 6 elective subjects). But this is a correct decision. In particular, allowing students to choose their two elective subjects will help them orient their future subjects and fields of study according to their interests and abilities.

The Department of Education and Training is currently preparing a plan to guide the review of the high school graduation exam for 12th-grade students. Accordingly, schools will be required to focus on directing subject-specific teams and groups to proactively develop review plans. The review content must closely adhere to the knowledge and skills standards of the high school curriculum, with a particular emphasis on the 12th-grade curriculum. Review sessions should be tailored to the students' needs, focusing on topics and themes, emphasizing understanding and application of knowledge, while also developing exam-taking skills. Emphasis should be placed on combining self-study and group review with whole-class review sessions, tailored to students' cognitive abilities. Review time should be balanced to ensure students' health and avoid overloading them.

My Ha