Slovenia Matura Exam Subjects - Informatics

This entry details the Informatics subject for the Matura exam in Slovenia. The information below is based on the exam catalog valid from the 2014 spring exam session until superseded. A more recent catalog (until 2021) is also referenced.

Exam Structure

The Informatics Matura exam consists of two parts:

• External Exam (Written): 80% of the final grade. Divided into two 90-minute exam papers with a 30-minute break in between.
• Internal Assessment (Seminar Paper): 20% of the final grade.

External Exam (Written)

• Paper 1 (35%): 15 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) and 10 short-answer questions (2 points each). Total 35 points.
• Paper 2 (45%): 3 structured tasks (5 points each) and 3 problem-solving tasks (10 points each). Total 45 points.

Internal Assessment (Seminar Paper)

The seminar paper is an individual project on a topic chosen from the official catalog or proposed by the student and approved by the relevant authorities. The paper should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic and its practical application using appropriate technology and media.

Exam Content and Objectives

The exam covers a wide range of topics within informatics, assessing knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation skills.

Core Areas:

• Fundamentals of Informatics: Includes basic concepts like data, information, knowledge; computing, informatics, cybernetics; continuous and discrete data representation; computer, information technology, information systems, information processes; relevant information and information pollution; computer and information literacy; entity and attribute.
• Information Technology: Covers the purpose, role, and significance of information technology; computer architecture and functionality (including von Neumann model); hardware and software; computer networks (including the internet and its services).
• Information Representation: Focuses on various forms of information representation, including written, visual (images and colors), auditory, and motion picture representation; computer presentations; and web-based information presentation (including HTML basics).
• Working with Data: Covers computer data processing; algorithms and flowcharts; programming languages and programming paradigms; databases (including relational models and database components); spreadsheets (including what-if analysis and charts); and knowledge technologies (including knowledge management, modeling, simulation, and decision-making processes).

Seminar Paper Details

The seminar paper requires students to define a problem, gather and process data, and present a solution using a chosen technology. The paper is typically completed in the 4th year of secondary school under the guidance of a teacher. Specific components and requirements for the seminar paper are outlined in the official regulations.

Assessment Criteria

Detailed assessment criteria are provided in the exam catalog for each type of question and for the seminar paper. The final grade is a weighted average of the scores from the written exam and the seminar paper. The State Examination Commission defines the conversion of percentage scores to grades (1-5).