Slovenia Matura Exam: Latin

The Matura exam in Slovenia is a crucial standardized test taken at the end of secondary education, serving as a gateway to higher education. It comprises five subjects: three compulsory (Mother Tongue, Mathematics, and a Foreign Language) and two electives. Latin is one of the elective subjects students can choose. It is available at both the higher and basic difficulty levels. Success at the higher level grants extra points for university applications. The Matura exam typically takes place in two series: spring (May-June) and autumn (August-September). Year 4 students also participate in a mock exam in March.

Latin, as an elective subject, offers students a deeper understanding of Latin language and Roman culture, providing a foundation for further studies at the university level. Student feedback on the Latin Matura exam, as documented in a study published in Keria: Studia Latina et Graeca, reveals mixed opinions. While some students appreciate the insights gained, others find certain aspects challenging, particularly the translation from Latin to Slovene. The oral exam also presents difficulties for some students, especially the grammar questions. The same study also highlights the perceived high quality of the exam tasks. Students have varying opinions on which tasks are most difficult, with translation from Slovene to Latin being identified as a major challenge by a significant portion of the surveyed students.