As the Matura exams unfold in Poland, students are facing a critical moment in their academic journeys. On May 9, 2025, the focus was on the Polish language Matura exam, which saw 506 graduates from five general education high schools in Inowrocław participating. Additionally, 298 graduates from eight technical schools and 21 adult high school graduates declared their intention to take the Matura exam, marking a significant turnout for this essential rite of passage.
Inowrocław’s students were not alone in this endeavor; across the nation, the Matura exams began on May 5 with the Polish language test, followed by mathematics on May 6. The Polish language exam was divided into two parts, with the first part assessing reading comprehension, language tasks, and historical-literary texts worth a total of 25 points. The essay, which carries a maximum of 35 points, brings the total possible score to 60 points. To pass the Polish Matura at the basic level, students must achieve at least 30 percent, or 18 points.
Students expressed mixed feelings about their performance in the Polish exam. Filip, a student from the "Królówka" high school, shared, "The essay topic was: the source of hope in difficult times. I referenced 'Job' and 'Kamienie na szaniec.' The historical-literary tasks were manageable. I tackled readings I had reviewed, including 'The Conversation of Master Polikarp with Death' and part three of 'Dziady.' I believe I wrote the exam at 70-80 percent." Another student, Dominik, felt confident, stating, "I was most worried about the essay topics, but it went quite well. I’m not concerned about the English or math exams, as those are my strengths."
Indeed, nearly all students chose English as their mandatory subject, with most opting for the advanced level, reflecting a trend towards prioritizing English language proficiency in the current educational landscape. Over 69 percent of the Matura candidates selected English for the advanced exam, indicating its significance in the curriculum.
As the excitement of the Polish exam subsided, attention turned to the mathematics test scheduled for May 6. The mathematics exam at the basic level commenced at 9:00 AM and lasted 180 minutes. Students took to social media to share their experiences and discuss the exam's difficulty, with many labeling it as relatively easy. However, some pointed out challenging questions related to percentages, optimization, and the area of triangles, sparking a lively debate online.
"How did you fare? Are you done? We’re waiting for your opinions!" one social media post echoed, highlighting the community's engagement in discussing the Matura experience. Students were eager to review the exam papers and correct answers, with many already speculating about their results.
The Matura exams are not just a test of knowledge but a gateway to higher education, shaping the future of many students. This year, around 44,400 students (16.1 percent) are taking the Biology exam at the advanced level, which started on May 9 at 9:00 AM and concluded at 12:00 PM. The Biology exam consists of 44 to 56 open and closed-ended tasks, with a maximum score of 60 points. Interestingly, the average score for the 2024 Biology Matura was only 40 percent, raising the stakes for this year’s candidates.
Results for the Matura exams will be available on July 8, 2025, after 8:30 AM, providing students with a crucial indicator of their readiness for the next phase of their education. For those who did not pass or could not attend the exams, retake opportunities are scheduled for August 19 (written) and August 20 (oral), while additional exam dates are set between June 3 and June 17.
As students navigate these exams, the pressure is palpable. Kamil, another student, mentioned, "I prepared for mathematics for only two days because I really like the subject and feel it will go smoothly. I’m also not afraid of English." This sentiment resonates with many students who are balancing their preparation with the anxiety that comes with such significant assessments.
With the Matura exams continuing, the atmosphere in Inowrocław and across Poland is charged with anticipation and determination. Each student’s experience is unique, but collectively, they represent a pivotal moment in their educational paths. As they await their results, the hope for successful outcomes remains high, with aspirations for university education looming on the horizon.
Ultimately, the Matura exams serve not only as a culmination of high school education but also as a stepping stone towards future academic and career endeavors. The coming weeks will be crucial for these students as they await their results and prepare for the next chapters of their lives.
