External Evaluation of the European Baccalaureate (Annexes)

The specification of curriculum is lighter in EB than in France and seems to allow more autonomy to teachers in the
choice of methods and support.
The level required at French bac seems to be much more scientific and demanding.
The objectives seem to be clearer in EB, principally because their presentation is simpler and more precise.
Regarding content
The topics studied in the respective qualifications are very different, both in content and level required - the
comparison in relation to precise standards is thus difficult.
In conclusion, the approaches of each formation are very different: time, topics, concepts, and content.
2. The assessments in the respective qualifications
2.1. In the French bac:
Requirements of bac S are presented in an text additional to the syllabus.
The marking scheme is composed of two parts:
The written examination (3 h): this values reproduction of knowledge and aptitude for scientific reasoning; 16 points
Abilities to develop scientific experiences (practical work) is valued in continuous assessment; 20 points. 25
situations of assessment are defined by the ministry and are published three months before the end of the school
year.
2008 – session
The written examination consists of three parts: each question is very short and based on documents given in the
question paper. The objective is to value the ability to build a scientific argument and undertake scientific reasoning.
For example, expose how... or, from the documents and with your knowledge, discuss why...
The requirement is to produce structured scientific argument.
Abilities to develop scientific experiences (practical work): the list is presented in two columns: first, specification of
the assessment context; second, specifications about activity and outcomes required. There are many topics and so,
it is impossible that candidates can simply learn every topic by heart.
2.2. Within the EB
In year 7, the Bac consists of the A-mark based on oral participation and written work, and the B-mark established by
the written examination in January. Students can also choose to sit the written or the oral examination in the Bac.
Guidelines for the setting of baccalaureate questions are given: six points. For example, translations into different
languages must scrupulously follow the sense of each question.
2007-session:
3 hours
There are 16 pages in the QP: two exercises P; two exercises G (Genetic) and two exercises E (Evolution).
Candidates must choose one exercise P, one exercise G, one exercise E.
Each exercise is composed of a double-sheet with texts and diagrams.
Each exercise consists of a large number of questions. For example, in P1, four questions: two sub questions in first
question, three in the third one, and five in the fourth one.
The answers expected are a scientific text: the focus is on the ability to construct scientific reasoning about biology.
In comparison with the syllabus, exercises seem very demanding and lack articulation with the specifics of the
specification.
5.4 2.3. Comparison
The two question papers are very different: very short and without choice within the French bac, and very long, with
choices within the EB.
In the two question papers, the principal outcome required is a form of scientific reasoning
Page of 216
195