Baccalaureate 2023: We are backing up!
This year, the «baccalaureate» (junior high school degree, G.E.D.) pass rate dropped below the 60% mark in the normal June session, to stand at 59.74%. After four record years, the performance of baccalaureate candidates marks a break to approach its 2018 level.
Girls represent nearly 58% of baccalaureate holders this first session. They record a better sucess rate than that of their male fellows, with a percentage of 63.83%, versus 54.89%. As usual, students in international baccalaureate sections are doing better, with a rate of 64.94%. Those enrolled in the vocational baccalaureate, on the other hand, achieved a score below the general rate, with only 45.48%. The fact is that the candidates of the vocational baccalaureate sectors were not numerous, accounting for barely 1% of the total of the candidates this year, versus 58% for those of the scientific and technical sectors, and 41% for those of the literary and «original» (Arabic languages and Muslim religion) sections. For these last two categories, at the time of going to press, the ministry had not yet released data. The results of the independent candidates are no exception to the annual trend. They record the worst performance, with a success rate of only 26.41%. As far as candidates with disabilities are concerned, the rate remained stable over one year, with a share of 73%. However, only 838 took passed the tests, i.e. 0.1% of the total. According to the first communications from the regions, the Oriental region is still posting record figures, with a success rate of 76.14% right from this first session in June (78.79% for girls and 72.67% for young men).
Traditionally, the majority of new baccalaureate holders go into higher education. In volume, 245,109 candidates managed to win the precious junior high school degree right from this first session. This represents 14,000 new baccalaureate holders more than the 2022 edition. It should be noted that the number of candidates this year is higher than last year by 18%. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of National Education, three-quarters of graduates choose higher education, versus 25% for vocational training. However, the idea is to have at least 40% of students enroll in professionalizing courses.
Contacted by our newspaper, the Office of Vocational Training (OFPPT) says that more and more baccalaureate holders are enrolling in its institutes. Their share rose from 39% in 2017-2018 to 52% in 2022-2023. The share of baccalaureate holders with a «Fairly good» or «Good» grade has also improved significantly, according to the Office, rising from 21% in 2017-2018 to 36% in 2022-2023.
Ahlam NAZIH
