The Matura exam for mathematics at the basic level concluded on May 6, 2025, with students sharing their experiences and insights on the exam's difficulty. The exam, which lasted 180 minutes, consisted of a range of tasks designed to test students' mathematical skills. The Central Examination Board (CKE) is set to publish the exam sheet and proposed answers after 2 PM on the same day.
Students from various schools expressed their opinions regarding the exam. Bartłomiej Wajdowicz, a student from class 4c at III LO in Krakow, described the exam as fairly easy, stating, "The tasks were quite simple, but I am taking the extended math exam, so the basics are not a big challenge for me. The tasks were similar to previous years, including logarithms and systems of equations. If someone was well-prepared, two hours were enough to solve all the tasks." His confidence reflected a general sentiment among many students who felt prepared.
Conversely, some students found the exam challenging. One student from an advertising technician class admitted, "I’m not satisfied and I must say the exam was difficult. For me, the most important thing is to pass the Matura. I’m heading for humanities studies, and thankfully there won’t be any math there." This sentiment highlights the varying experiences of students across different academic tracks.
Amelia, a student from the Environmental Engineering and Land Reclamation School Complex in Krakow, echoed Bartłomiej's thoughts, saying, "The exam was easy. The tasks were very similar to those that appeared in the mock exam. There were no surprises, and if someone did honest revisions, they shouldn’t worry." This positive outlook was further supported by Michał Kowal from class 4d, who remarked, "Honestly, this exam wasn’t difficult. I completed everything except one task. The optimization task was very simple. The open tasks also didn’t pose problems. I’m counting on a good math exam result."
Dawid Solarski from class 4D at III LO expressed optimism as well, believing he performed better on the math exam than on the Polish exam. He stated, "I think if I didn’t make a mistake with a minus sign, I might even score 100%." After the exam, he planned to unwind by playing games or watching series, emphasizing the importance of relaxation before the upcoming English exam.
The Matura 2025 schedule is crucial for students, with the Polish language exam taking place on May 5, the math exam on May 6, and a modern foreign language exam on May 7. The CKE has indicated that graduates can take up to five additional subject exams, often based on university recruitment requirements. This year, unlike previous years, the Matura is being conducted based on the core curriculum requirements rather than the examination requirements introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the CKE, students are required to pass three mandatory written exams at the basic level: Polish, mathematics, and a foreign language. Additionally, each student must take one written exam at the extended level, which can be a foreign language or another subject of their choice. The results of the Matura will be announced on July 8, 2025, giving students a chance to assess their performance and plan their next steps.
Grzegorz Nicpoń, a mathematician and director of the Complex of General Education Schools No. 8, provided insight into the types of tasks expected in this year's exam. He noted that students should be prepared for tasks involving linear functions, quadratic functions, numerical sequences, and optimization tasks. This aligns with the trend of incorporating practical applications of mathematics into exam questions, which helps students relate their learning to real-world scenarios.
Students are allowed to use a simple calculator, ruler, and compass during the exam, along with selected mathematical formulas provided by their schools. The exam includes a mix of open and closed tasks, with the total number of tasks ranging from 27 to 39. To pass, students need to achieve at least 30% of the total points, which translates to a minimum of 15 correct answers.
Looking ahead, the additional exam for those who may not pass will take place on June 4, 2025, while retake exams are scheduled for August 19, 2025. The results from these retake exams will be revealed on September 10, 2025, giving students another opportunity to succeed.
As students prepare for their next exams, educators emphasize the importance of rest and mental readiness. Jacek Kaczor, the director of I LO in Krakow, advised students to ensure they are well-rested before their exams. He stated, "The most important thing is to get enough sleep before the exam, as it always translates to a few extra percentage points if the candidate is well-rested. The night before the exam should not be spent studying; instead, it’s better to watch a good movie to relax." This advice underscores the balance of preparation and self-care that students need during this intense period of their academic careers.
In summary, the Matura exam for mathematics at the basic level has sparked a variety of reactions among students, with many feeling confident about their performance while others express concerns. As the CKE prepares to publish the exam sheets and answers, students continue to navigate the pressures of this crucial examination period, aiming for success in their future academic endeavors.
