As the sun rose on May 9, 2025, students across the Netherlands faced the daunting task of their final exams, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys. Among them was Meike Nijwening, an 18-year-old from Assen, who took her first exam at Dr. Nassau College Quintus. The day was not just about the exams; it was an emotional rollercoaster for many students as they navigated the pressures and expectations of their vwo (pre-university education) finals.
Meike's experience was emblematic of the challenges faced by students nationwide. "The Dutch exam had a few unexpected twists," she shared, reflecting the sentiments of her peers who were also tackling their first major test. This year, the exams began with a wave of anxiety but also a sense of relief as students finally got to demonstrate their knowledge after months of preparation.
At the Veurs Lyceum in Leidschendam, vwo students were equally challenged. The first central written exams on that Friday required students to dive deep into the complexities of the Dutch language. Despite the pressure, many students responded positively to the experience. According to reports, the atmosphere was charged with determination as students like Amy and Floortje began to think about life after exams, with dreams of sunny vacations in Albu.
Yet, not all reactions were positive. Stijn de Vries, a journalist and writer who took the Dutch exam years ago, expressed concern about the exam format. Just twenty minutes after the exam was released online, he called in with frustrations, stating, "Sorry, but my concentration is already gone. What a terrible experience for those kids!" He reminisced about his own struggles during his havo exams eight years prior, noting how today's exam questions seemed designed to confuse rather than assess knowledge.
Reflecting on the exam's content, de Vries lamented, "The first thing you see is a huge block of text with words like 'contraproductief' and 'zalige deugden.'" He described these terms as unnecessarily complex, suggesting they only serve to make the exam seem more daunting. His comments resonate with many students who feel overwhelmed by the academic language used in their exams.
De Vries also pointed out the psychological toll of the exam format, saying, "It's really hard to make it difficult just for the sake of difficulty." He recalled the classic trick questions that often left him second-guessing his answers, a sentiment echoed by many current students. "I see myself doubting between two answers in that gymnasium, chewing on a Dextro Energy with lemon flavor. Traumas, really!" he laughed, revealing the lasting impact of exam stress.
Despite his critiques, de Vries maintains a deep love for the Dutch language. "I find it beautiful. I enjoy reading Dutch books because the story resonates more deeply in my mother tongue," he said, sharing his aspiration to one day write a book. However, he feels that the current exam structure does little to foster this love among students. "This is one of the rare moments to engage students who usually stare at screens and make them read for real. Let's utilize that opportunity!"
He suggested that the exam could be more engaging if it featured captivating excerpts from contemporary authors like Lucas Rijneveld, whom he admires. Instead, he fears that the current texts might push students away from literature altogether, leaving books to gather dust on shelves.
As the exam period continues, students are gearing up for more challenges ahead. On Monday, May 12, havo students will tackle their history exam, while vwo students will face economics. David Vestering, director of De Bijlesgroep, warned that these upcoming tests are particularly tough. He advised students to take a moment to read through the exam calmly before diving into the questions. "Scan all the tasks to get a good picture of what to expect. Keeping your composure is crucial until the last minute," he emphasized.
Vestering's advice underscores the importance of strategic preparation during exams. He recommends reserving at least ten minutes at the end of the exam to review answers critically, a strategy that can help students maintain control over their performance.
As the first day of exams came to a close, the collective sigh of relief from students was palpable. While the pressure is immense, the camaraderie among students facing similar challenges provides a sense of community and support. For many, these exams are not just a test of knowledge but a rite of passage, a stepping stone to their future endeavors.
In the coming weeks, students will continue to navigate the highs and lows of exam season, each hoping to emerge victorious and ready for the next chapter in their lives. With the support of teachers, family, and friends, they are poised to tackle whatever comes next, armed with the knowledge and experiences gained throughout their education.
