Graduating high school students demand earlier stop of physical presence prior to exams

Our colleagues from RTL talked to a few students who are to face their final high school exams in a month's time. They demand more time to prepare for the important tests at home, given that this would reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 right before the exams. The letter therefore proposes to switch to remote learning on 7 May, a week earlier than currently scheduled.

Julie Cukier, senior student at Fieldgen high school, explained: "We believe it would be safer if we could isolate for nine days instead of the scheduled four."

No matter the precautions, public transport, lunch breaks, and crowded corridors still pose a considerable risk. Estelle Née, spokesperson of the National Union of Students (UNEL) commented: "Now that we are approaching exams, the fear of contracting the virus increases and there are still a number of open questions. What will happen to people who have to quarantine for two weeks, given that the test period also lasts that long?"

It currently looks as though students in that situation will have to wait until September to participate in the second official exam session. Naturally, this will pose new problems, as Cukier noted: "Personally, I am supposed to start university on 1 September, which will not happen if I have to wait until 15 September to take the tests for the first time. This level of uncertainty causes additional stress, given that it is such an important step for many of us."

Teachers have already shown support for the student demands. Jules Barthel, vice president of the OGBL teachers' union SEW, explained that the exam programme should allow for one earlier week of home schooling: "The exam content was again adapted this year, which is why all classes should be able to finish as scheduled."

However, teachers also remind their students that reduced in-school time will mean that the remaining tests prior to final exams will have to be completed with fewer breaks in between.

Thus far, the Ministry of Education has not yet given an official response to the letter.