The countdown has begun for the 2025 Maturità, Italy's high school graduation exam, set to kick off on June 18, 2025, with the Italian essay as the first test. As students prepare for this pivotal moment in their academic careers, several new regulations and requirements have been introduced that will significantly impact their eligibility and performance during the exam.
One of the most notable changes comes from a reform approved in September 2024, which ties the assignment of school credit to students' behavior. To achieve the maximum score in school credit, students must now maintain a conduct grade of at least 9 out of 10. This means that even if a student excels academically, a poor behavior grade could hinder their overall score and, consequently, their final assessment.
According to the new regulations, students who receive a conduct grade of 5 at the end of their fifth year will not be admitted to the Maturità. If a student's conduct grade is 6, they will be allowed to take the exam but must present a critical paper on active and solidarity citizenship during the oral portion of the exam. This change emphasizes the importance of both academic performance and behavior in determining a student's readiness for graduation.
Additionally, the Invalsi tests, which assess students' competencies in Italian, mathematics, and English, will remain a requirement for admission to the Maturità in 2025. These standardized tests are administered at key points in students' educational journeys and are designed to provide a reliable measure of learning outcomes across the country.
For 2025, the Invalsi tests for the last year of secondary school commenced on March 3 and will continue until March 31. Middle school students will take their tests from April 1 to April 30, while second-year high school students will complete their assessments from May 12 to May 30. Primary school students will also participate in Invalsi tests, with the Italian test scheduled for May 7, the math test on May 9, and the English test on May 6.
The Ministry of Education has also reinstated the requirement for students to complete the PCTO (pathways for transversal skills and orientation), previously known as school-work alternation, in order to qualify for the Maturità. This requirement aims to ensure that students gain practical experience alongside their academic studies, further preparing them for future endeavors.
In terms of the structure of the Maturità exam, it will consist of two written tests and an oral interview. The first written test will take place on June 18, 2025, starting at 8:30 AM, followed by the second written test on June 19, also at 8:30 AM. The first test will feature seven ministerial tracks from which students can choose one that aligns with their preparation and skills. The second test will focus on subjects specific to each student's field of study.
The oral interview will follow the written tests and will include an interdisciplinary dialogue among subjects, incorporating students' PCTO experiences. During the oral examination, students will also be able to refer to their Curriculum dello studente, a document that outlines their academic journey.
As part of the new admission criteria, students must participate in the national Invalsi tests and demonstrate proficiency in all subjects. If a student receives a conduct grade below 6, they will not be admitted to the exam. However, those who achieve a conduct grade of 6 will incur a 'debt' that they must address during the State Exam interview by presenting a critical paper.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has set a deadline of April 4, 2025, for schools to select internal commissioners for the examination process. This decision will be made by the class council, which will also evaluate students based on their attendance and overall performance throughout the academic year.
The recent changes to the Maturità exam reflect a broader trend in the Italian educational system towards a more comprehensive evaluation of students. By factoring in behavior alongside academic achievement, educators aim to foster a more holistic approach to student development.
Roberto Ricci, president of the National Institute for the Evaluation of the Education System (INVALSI), noted that the evolution of the Invalsi tests has led to increased engagement from teachers and institutions in utilizing the data to inform educational strategies. The growing interest in data-driven decision-making is evident in the rising number of educators participating in professional development courses focused on leveraging Invalsi results.
As the 2025 Maturità approaches, students are encouraged to prepare thoroughly, not only for their written and oral exams but also to ensure they meet all the new requirements. The emphasis on conduct, participation in standardized testing, and completion of PCTO will play a crucial role in their success.
With these developments, the Maturità 2025 is set to be a significant milestone in the lives of Italian students, marking the culmination of their secondary education and paving the way for their future endeavors. As the exam dates draw nearer, students, teachers, and families alike are gearing up for this important rite of passage.
