736 students have been examined at the UPV Gandia Campus in a call marked by the educational strike.
“A lot of nerves.” “We don’t know which way they’re going to pull.” “There is a lot of syllabus and, whether you like it or not, you don’t know what might come in”. These are some of the impressions shared by Ainara, Naira, Irene, Alba, Ruth and Leyre, students of IES Vall de la Safor de Villalonga, minutes before entering the classroom to take the first exam of the University Entrance Exam (PAU) at the Gandia Campus of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV).
The students are part of the 736 students who, from Tuesday until Thursday, will take their exams at the UPV campus, where two tribunals will be in charge of correcting the tests.
From early in the morning, the area around the center has been full of young people reviewing last minute notes and family members who wanted to accompany them before facing some decisive exams for their academic future. Nerves and uncertainty have been the protagonists of a day that has developed normally.
Normality despite the works and the strike
The first day of the PAU has been developed without notable incidents. The only setback has been related to traffic, since the start of the tests has coincided with the asphalting works planned at the traffic circle of La Barca and Goleta del Grau de Gandia street. Given this circumstance, the City Council decided to delay until 9.00 am the planned closure of these accesses to facilitate the arrival of students.
Nor have there been any incidents related to the educational protests that have marked the last few weeks. This call for the PAU coincides with the indefinite strike of the Valencian public education initiated last May 11.
Detectors to prevent fraud
Among the novelties of this year’s call is the incorporation of frequency detectors capable of locating cell phones and other electronic devices. In addition, before the start of the tests, students have been reminded of the prohibition of accessing with any electronic device, a measure designed to prevent attempts of fraud during the exercises.
Premiere with Lengua Castellana y Literatura
The first test of the day was Spanish Language and Literature II, one of the common subjects for all students. The exam revolved around the opinion article Release the hand by journalist and writer Pilar Galán Rodríguez, published in the newspaper Information last February. The text reflects on the growth of children and the emotional distancing that often occurs during adolescence.
The Literature section focused on Emilia Pardo Bazán and her short story The treasure a story included in the work New stories published in 1894, a story that deals directly with the acquisition of forbidden knowledge by a young girl.
At the exit of the exam, some students were surprised. “It was what we wanted, but the questions were far-fetched, we did not expect them,” said Paula, Halima and Diana, students of IES Tirant lo Blanc de Gandia.
After the Spanish Language and Literature exam, the day continued with History of Philosophy and various subjects of modality and electives, beginning three days of exams that will determine the access of thousands of young Valencians to university studies.