Classes and exams

[Simon]

No: HPFGUIDX 22804

Penny: <<<Hi -->>>

Hello, am I starting to count as a lurker? Must be my first post this week :(


Penny: <<<I was listening to the GoF CDs again recently, and as usual when I
re-read or re-hear the books, I caught something new.>>>

I cannot remember when I last reread the books. Might have to do so soon. I
usually just reread a section or few chapters at a time.


Penny: <<<Ron & Hermione were taking exams in the week or so before the 3rd
Task -- they definitely had a History of Magic exam on the day of the 3rd
Task.  Why then are there still classes going on after the 3rd Task? Harry
notes that they no longer had a DADA professor so those classes were
cancelled -- that's when they go visit Hagrid.  In the other books , the exams
are the end -- there are no more classes afterwards - which makes sense.
Would it be typical for a British student to have classes to attend after the
end of term exams are completed or is this yet another Flint?>>>

Just because they went to class does not mean they went to learn. There may
well be a few weeks between end of exams and end of term. Would you want a few
hundred kids sitting around with nothing to do all day finding ways to cause
mischief? The Weasley twins find enough opportunity as it is!

My guess, however, is that they are going to learn stuff. Most schools set
some form of informal exams for each non-major exam year (i.e. those not doing
NEWTS or OWLS - or there muggle equivalent) and I would guess that these are
equivalent to the exams Harry, and the others, have taken each year.

I would also guess that you would not have all school years taking exams at
once. Knowing the nightmare that is organising teacher and classrooms for exam
invigilation it is best to have them staggered over a few weeks. Yes magic can
help, but I would doubt it could make a big difference. Maybe having something
like 1st and 3rd years taking their exams in the first week of June, 2nd and
4th years taking them in the fourth week of June and so on.


Penny: <<<The other thing of interest to me is why the exams are so late in
GoF (3rd Task was June 24th).  In PoA, exams were over June 6th.  I wonder why
the timing is so different.  When do most British schools break for the summer
holidays?>>>

Well my dad, a teacher, finished today (possibly yesterday by the time this
arrives). Many schools still have a few days left. Public (private for the US)
schools have, in general, been finished for a week or two now.



Simon
--
"I didn't go to university. Didn't even finish A-levels. But I have sympathy
for those who did." - Terry Pratchett
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