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The big moment has arrived for 70 students at Mireille Choisy Middle School. This Friday, June 26, they are expected to arrive at 7:15 a.m. to begin their middle school graduation exams. The first exam will be French, starting at 8:00 a.m. The exams will continue on Monday, June 29, with science (biology and physics-chemistry) and history-geography, followed by mathematics on Tuesday, June 30. The Brevet has two notable features this year. The first is that the exams will take place only in the morning. The second? Graders have been instructed to pay particular attention to candidates’ spelling—in every subject.
22 “supported” students
At the school, the past two weeks have been devoted to exam preparation. This has involved practical arrangements, such as designating the seven rooms where candidates will be seated and organizing the conduct of the exams as well as ensuring students are properly received. For example, given the stockpile of bottled water accumulated during last week’s supply disruption, a bottle will be provided to any student who requests one before a test.
Furthermore, to reassure the middle school students and help them prepare as effectively as possible, the school’s principal, David Desiage, notes that the schedules leading up to the Brevet have been adjusted. This is so that candidates can “cram” on the subjects covered in the exam.
Furthermore, the list of registered students includes 22 students “receiving special support.” This is a first for the school, which will mobilize about ten teachers to assist them throughout the exam.
“A lot to remember”
As “D-Day” approaches, two candidates agreed to share their thoughts before tackling the various exam sections. Eleonore Mas, 15, says: “Some of the sections are complicated. They’ve changed them too much compared to previous years.” ” Marie Pascal, 14, adds: “Based on the practice exams, I find it a bit hard with all the new rules. Like the writing rule that takes points away if you haven’t spelled the sentences correctly. It’s a bit unfair for people with disabilities like dyslexia.”
To prepare, the two middle schoolers have slightly different approaches. Eleonore explains: “We’re doing weeks of review, and personally, I’m doing practice exercises. ” For Marie, the goal is to study “smart.” She adds: “I’m going to try to study as much as possible, but I’ll admit I’m a little lazy. So I’m going to focus mainly on the stuff I really need to know.”
Do they think they’ve been sufficiently prepared for the exam? “For some subjects, yes,” Eleonore says confidently. “Like history-geography and math, and a little bit of French.” Marie agrees: “I think so, but then it can be a little difficult because you have to remember things you covered in previous years, and in most cases, you’ve forgotten everything. Even if you’ve prepared, there’s a lot to remember, and it can be a bit overwhelming.”
One thing is certain. For both Eleonore and Marie, the most dreaded exam is physics and chemistry. “Math and history, too,” Marie adds.
See you Friday at 7:15 a.m. to kick things off with French.
