My attention has been drawn to this matter which affected the Chemistry examination within the European Baccalaureate in 2014. A communication issued by the Chairman of the 2014 Baccalaureate Examining Board through the Office of the Secretary General of the European Schools indicates that the main difficulty concerned the time available to complete the written examination paper. In accordance with procedures for implementing the regulations governing the operation of the European Baccalaureate, the Chairman of the Baccalaureate Examining Board decided on two actions. Firstly, the results were moderated to ensure that they were within the pattern of results of previous examinations. Secondly, candidates have been offered the option to re-sit the examination in September. The Office of the Secretary General of the European Schools reports that few students are expected to exercise this option. On becoming aware of the issue, my Department made immediate contact with the Office of the Secretary General of the European Schools. Representatives of my Department will continue to pursue improvement in the quality assurance processes associated with the examination through involvement with the European Baccalaureate Unit and the Board of Governors of the European Schools.
