Year 8 exam
The eighth-grade exam takes place every May and marks the end of primary school.
The essentials first
The exam is compulsory: taking it is a condition for finishing school. The exam has no pass mark, so you cannot fail it, and the result does not affect finishing school.
The result counts in admissions to secondary school. The exam can give a student half of all admission points, i.e. 100 out of 200.
Subjects and duration
| Exam day | Subject | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| First | Polish | 120 minutes |
| Second | mathematics | 100 minutes |
| Third | modern foreign language | 90 minutes |
The exact dates for each year are announced by the Central Examination Board (CKE) in August, before the start of the school year. We give them in the school calendar and send them via the e-register. Students with adjustments may have extra time.
The eighth-grade year step by step
September – foreign language declaration
By 30 September, the parent submits a written declaration to the school stating which foreign language the student will take in the exam. A change can be made no later than three months before the exam.
October – preparation classes and documents
Extra classes in Polish, maths and English start, one hour a week each. Attendance is voluntary and free. By 15 October, the parent submits an opinion or certificate from the counselling centre if the child needs adjusted exam conditions.
Autumn – information on adjustments
The school gives parents written information on how the exam conditions will be adjusted. The parent confirms whether the child will use them by submitting a statement by the deadline given in the information.
December and March – mock exams
Students sit mock exams in conditions close to the real thing. We discuss the results with each student and pass them on to parents.
May – the exam
Three consecutive days: Polish, maths and a foreign language.
June – additional date
For students who could not take the exam in May due to illness or another important reason.
July – results
The CKE announces the results at the beginning of July. Students collect their results certificate from the school office.
Exam day
Students arrive at school at 8:20, and the exam starts at 9:00. Please wear formal dress.
After the papers are handed out, students check that the paper is complete and stick on their codes. The working time starts when the start time is written on the board.
Adjusting exam conditions
We adjust exam conditions for students with an opinion or statement from a psychological and educational counselling centre. Students receiving psychological and educational support at school can also benefit.
An adjustment may mean, for example, extra time, a paper in a different format, writing on a computer, a separate room or help from a support teacher. Parents can discuss the details with the special educational needs teacher.
Parents' questions
What happens if my child is ill on the day of the exam?
Please notify the school office as soon as possible and provide a medical certificate. The student will take the exam on the additional date in June.
Does a subject competition winner have to take the exam?
A winner or finalist of a subject olympiad, and a winner of a subject competition organised by the regional education officer, is exempt from the exam in that subject. They then receive the highest possible result.
In what form does the student receive the result?
The student receives a certificate with detailed exam results. The result is given as a percentage and as a percentile, i.e. compared with other candidates.
What do students in Grades 1–7 do on exam days?
They have days off from lessons. The after-school club looks after children registered a week in advance, at the times given on the after-school club page.