On May 9, 2025, Polish high school graduates, known as maturzyści, will face a significant milestone in their academic journey with the extended-level biology and philosophy exams. These tests will be conducted in two different formats: the 2015 and 2023 versions, catering to students based on the curriculum they followed.
The biology exam is scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM and will last for 180 minutes. Students will be tasked with solving between 44 and 56 questions, which will include 10 to 16 closed-ended and 34 to 40 open-ended questions. The maximum score achievable is 60 points. Notably, in 2025, students will not be required to achieve at least 30% of points from one of their selected additional subjects, as the Sejm (the lower house of the Polish Parliament) postponed this requirement for three years on November 21, 2024.
The topics covered in the biology exam are extensive, including genetics, ecology, anatomy, and physiology. To prepare effectively, students are encouraged to review past matura examination papers to familiarize themselves with the format and types of questions they might encounter. The results of the biology exam will be announced on July 8, 2025.
Later in the day, at 2:00 PM, the philosophy exam will take place, also lasting for 180 minutes. This subject is crucial for students aiming to pursue humanities courses in higher education. Similar to the biology exam, the philosophy test will be available in two formats: 2015 for those who followed the older curriculum and 2023 for those adhering to the new program.
The philosophy examination will consist of around 20 tasks, including an essay on one of two provided topics. Students must bring a black ink pen to the exam. For those unable to attend the exam on May 9, an additional date has been set for June 6. The results of the philosophy exam will also be revealed on July 8.
As students gear up for these significant exams, the anticipation and pressure are palpable. The matura exams are not merely assessments of knowledge; they represent a strategic challenge for many students. Biology, with its concrete concepts and diagrams, contrasts sharply with philosophy, which demands abstract thinking and interpretative courage.
In addition to these exams, another significant aspect of the 2025 matura process is the introduction of 'jawne pytania' or public questions. These are topics that the Central Examination Board (CKE) publishes in advance, allowing students to know exactly what to expect during the oral Polish language exam. This initiative aims to enhance transparency in the examination process and provide students with a structured framework for their preparation.
For the 2025 matura, the list of public questions has been notably shortened to 68 topics, down from 110 in 2024. This reduction is intended to streamline the focus for students as they prepare for their oral exams, which cover a range of mandatory and selected literary works from the school canon. The topics encompass various literary epochs, genres, and motifs, and even address the relationship between literature and other fields of art and social life.
This year’s list includes significant topics from classic works, such as the theme of undeserved suffering from the Book of Job, the human condition amid the world's instability from the Book of Ecclesiastes, and the vision of the end of the world from the Book of Revelation. Other notable works featured include Homer's Iliad, Sophocles' Antigone, and works by prominent Polish authors like Adam Mickiewicz and Bolesław Prus.
The public questions not only aid students in honing their analytical and argumentative skills but also provide teachers with a framework to structure their revision lessons effectively. This proactive approach to examination preparation is designed to alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding the matura exams.
Many students are likely to engage in intensive review sessions and discussions about these topics in the weeks leading up to the exams. The emphasis on preparation through both the biology and philosophy exams, alongside the public questions for the Polish language oral exam, reflects a broader educational strategy to equip students with the necessary skills for their future academic endeavors.
The upcoming matura exams are a pivotal moment for students, marking the culmination of years of study and preparation. As they navigate this challenging period, the commitment to education and the pursuit of knowledge remains at the forefront of their efforts. With results from both the biology and philosophy exams set to be announced on July 8, 2025, students will soon discover the outcomes of their hard work and dedication.
In conclusion, the matura exams of 2025 present both opportunities and challenges for Polish students. The combination of rigorous testing in biology and philosophy, alongside the structured preparation for the Polish oral exam, underscores the importance of a well-rounded education. As students prepare to face these exams, their perseverance and commitment to learning will undoubtedly shape their futures.
