Morocco Sets September School Return, July Baccalaureate Exams Amid Education Reforms

According to the press release, the resumption of "in-person" classes for all school levels is scheduled for September, and the organization of the baccalaureate exams for July 2020. Similarly, the regional exam for the first year of the baccalaureate for "independent candidates" will take place in July 2020, while the regional exam for "enrolled candidates" will be held in person in September.

And in order to ensure equal opportunities, the Department of National Education has decided that the subjects of the baccalaureate exams for the first and second years will cover only "the courses taught before the date of suspension of studies," reports the MAP, which emphasizes that the ministry has made arrangements so that "intensive distance learning courses are scheduled to ensure good preparation for the exams, from next week until the end of June 2020."

As for the other school levels (primary, middle and high school), students will not take the 6th year primary exam and the 3rd year middle school exam. "The success of students and their progression to the next level will depend on the continuous assessment grades organized in person until March 14, 2020," according to the ministry, which will soon announce the dates of the baccalaureate exams and the results of all school levels.

In making this series of decisions to save the school year, the ministry has taken into account certain factors related to "the protection and safety of learners and educational and administrative staff, the evolution of the epidemiological situation, the completion of 70 to 75% of the study and training programs before the suspension of studies, among others." Thus, all arrangements will be made so that everything goes according to the required conditions. The ministry is already thinking about "the preparation of the subjects to be covered, the management of the operations related to the conduct of the exams, the use of sports facilities, accommodation, meals and transportation for students."

However, the distance learning operation via the various digital platforms and TV channels will continue. The ministry also calls on "students, teaching and administrative staff, as well as families, to be serious and responsible towards the distance learning support operation, to mobilize to close the school year in style, in the best interest of the learners."