Exams and Tests Policy

Exams and tests are a useful way to assess what students have learned. They show what part of a lesson each student has understood and has shown an interest in.

Every student is different, and so exams and tests are also a valuable way for teachers to find out more about the students themselves. The test environment shows how students perform under pressure and how they think individually which is useful information for planning future class activities.

Students’ strengths and weaknesses are also assessed through exams. Teachers can identify where there are knowledge and skills gaps, so they can tailor and adapt their teaching to individual students. A pattern of weaknesses may be apparent when marking work.

Mock tests always take place before formal examinations. This gives students and teachers the opportunity to understand where their weaknesses lie so they have time to address these areas and achieve their best.

Exams and tests help schools to monitor students’ progress and to assess where faculties and particular classes need more focus and resources.

Tests are divided into two categories:

Direct test:

Students sit tests at school that follow a set schedule. There are two types of tests: ‘oral and written’ and ‘evaluation and term’.

In most subjects we conduct oral exams and written exams.

Elementary Cycle (from grade 1 till 6) follows a continuous evaluation/assessment system. Usually there are 4 evaluations throughout the year and each evaluation has set date. Dates may slightly vary from one year to another.

4 evaluations are taken throughout the year:

1^st Evaluation
2^nd Evaluation
3^rd Evaluation
4^th Evaluation

Continuous evaluations/assessments are known as formative assessments. They allow tracking of progress and enable teachers to offer students more support, guidance, and opportunities to improve during the course or programme. Continuous assessment can replace the final assessment or can be combined with the final assessment to calculate a final grade.

Middle and Secondary Cycles (excluding grade 9/eb9 and grade 12/es3) follow summative assessments. The aim of summative assessment is to evaluate student’s learning at the end of each term.

Assessments are divided as follows:

25% of the grade is taken from the assessments that are made during each term

75% of the grade is taken from the assessments that are made at the end of each term.

These cycles have 4 evaluations throughout the year:

1^st evaluation
Mid-Year Exam
2^nd Evaluation
Final Exam

Summative assessment also takes place in Grade 9/EB9 and Grade 12/ES3. However, 100% of the grade is taken from the exams made for each subject by the end of each term.

There are 6 assessments throughout the year:

1^st Evaluation
1^st Trial
2^nd Evaluation
2^nd Trial
3^rd Evaluation
3^rd Trial

Foreign curriculum (High School System) students follow the same assessment and examination process as Lebanese curriculum students according to their grade level.

Online Test:

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic online classes have been conducted alongside online tests. We have found that online tests have worked well for our students, and therefore when the pandemic ends online tests will continue to be part of the evaluation process alongside direct tests.

An online or virtual test is a remote evaluation that helps teachers and students to keep moving on the same track. Beyond elementary level these tests can help to motivate students to study effectively so they attain the best result. Online tests can be oral or written (multiple choices, true/false, matching, sorting, fill in the blanks, image labeling, short answer, free text etc.).

Students must take note of the following rules for exams and tests:

Attendance is compulsory. Any delay in attendance must be reported directly to administration, supervisor of the school, or the teacher.
Choose the best place at home to start a test to establish a calm environment.
The room must be as quiet as possible. Sounds such as music or television are not permitted.
Make sure that your table and chair are organised and clean.
Inform all home members that you are sitting an online exam.
No other person is allowed to enter the room while you are taking the exam/test (in some circumstances, Cycle 1 students may be exempt).
Make sure that the mobile device, laptop, or tablet are fully charged.
Read the questions carefully and focus on time management.
Do not close the browser without submitting the answers.
Inform the school or teacher of any technical malfunction.
A suspension of the exam/test will be considered under school regulations and policies.