The Baccalauréat, the first academic degree in France, is the diploma that validates the end of High school education and opens access to higher education.
The Baccalauréat takes into account :
- Continuous assessment in the terminal cycle (Première and Terminale years) – which counts for 40% of the final grade. It evaluates the required courses that are not subject to a test.
- The results of five examination papers – that account for a total of 60% of the final grade.
Candidates are awarded a diploma based on a final grade representing an average of 10/20 or higher.
They can earn honours :
- “Assez Bien” (Adequate) : average greater than or equal to 12 and less than 14,
- “Bien” (Good) : average greater than or equal to 14 and less than 16,
- “Très Bien” (Very Good) : average higher than or equal to 16 and lower than 18,
- “Très Bien” (Very Good) with the praise of the jury : average greater than or equal to 18.
The grade obtained and the specialty courses taken in Terminale are shown on the diploma.