how it is done

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The outline of procedures from the preparation of the syllabus to the results of the Vocational Matura


Matura Syllabus and Subject Syllabi
The objectives of each exam are determined by subject syllabi for the Vocational Matura. The syllabi must not exceed the curricula for individual subjects with regard to content, scope and level of achievement. Each STCVM prepares a draft version of a subject syllabus for the first and third subjects of the Vocational Matura; at the proposal of the NCVM it is endorsed by the Council of Experts for General Education in the Republic of Slovenia. The objectives of the Vocational Matura, the number of subjects taken in the Vocational Matura, both compulsory and optional subjects and the manner and forms of assessment etc are determined by the Matura Syllabus prepared each year by the NCVM and endorsed by the afore-mentioned Council of Experts.

Candidates have to be informed about the scope, content, responsibilities and requirements for taking the Vocational Matura not later than two years in advance (before they enrol in Year 3). Subsequent changes are possible (and allowed) only when they do not concern the scope, content, responsibilities and requirements for taking the Vocational Matura, or if they put candidates in a more favourable position.


Preparation of Examination Materials
In the area of the Vocational Matura, the preparation of written exams for the first and third subjects is the responsibility of the Centre, while exams for the second and fourth subjects are the responsibility of the National Institute for Vocational Education and Training and schools. Examination materials for the first and third subjects are prepared by the STCVMs in accordance with subject syllabi. Materials are edited and formatted at the Centre; for candidates from the Italian and Hungarian ethnic minorities, materials are translated into Italian and Hungarian. The Centre also arranges for adequate adaptations of test papers for candidates with special needs. A set of test papers for any individual session of the Vocational Matura is determined by a NCVM ballot. For detailed information on the structure of exams for individual subjects, click here.


Protection of the Secrecy of the Exam and Logistics
All procedures for the preparation, printing and distribution of examination materials to schools are designed with a view to providing secrecy of examination materials as well as anonymity of all candidates. Careful recording and coding of examination materials prior to sending them to schools provides traceability of all examination materials.


Exams and Assessment
Written exams for the first and third subjects of the Vocational Matura, including marking schemes, are prepared externally; this means that all candidates take the same test, on the same day and at the same time. For the second and fourth subjects, the National Institute for Vocational Education and Training equips schools with uniform broad guidelines for devising tasks, awarding marks and assessment; tasks are then prepared by schools.

As in the Matura, prior to assessment the STCVMs for the first and third subjects carry out a moderation of the marking scheme on a sample of scripts; these scripts are selected after the exam, photocopied and these photocopies are sent to the Centre. The STCVMs go through these samples and complete the marking scheme with answers that the test makers had not included but are nevertheless correct. The Centre posts moderated marking schemes for the first and third subjects online and they can be accessed by secretaries of the SCVMs.

Tests in all subjects of the Vocational Matura are assessed by teachers in schools. In exams, from Slovene, Italian, Hungarian, modern foreign languages and second languages in ethnically mixed areas, the second test paper (the essay) can be assessed by two independent markers; in this case, each candidate is given the average mark. In the fourth subject, members of the SEBVMs can also be external members.

Gathering Data, Conversion of Points into Grades and Informing Candidates
After the assessment, the SCVMs send data on marks achieved by individual candidates in the first and third subjects to the Centre. The IT Department and Research and Development Unit then prepare a number of statistical analyses on candidates' achievement on the basis of which the STCVMs prepare a proposal for the conversion of marks into grades (i.e. how many percentage points are required in any individual subject for each grade). This must be approved by the NCVM. The criteria for the conversion of points into grades for the second and fourth subjects are defined by the SCVMs. Criteria defined for the Spring Session are valid also for the following two sessions. The Centre informs schools about criteria for the conversion of points into grades for the first and third subjects, and they in turn, on the day determined by the Schedule of Activities for the Vocational Matura, inform candidates on their achievement. The Centre sends data on candidates' achievement to Higher Education Application-Information Service.