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Some students pass their exams by sheer luck, others may do so thanks to their connected watch. This concentration of technology is the 2017 version of notes hidden up a sleeve, and is the object of choice for those wishing to solve equations while appearing to count the minutes. Watches, calculators, smartphones ... all are now on the radar of exam organizers and supervisors. 911 suspected instances of cheating were identified during the 2016 exam period, with more than half followed by sanctions.

One blunder after another for the 2017 edition of the baccalaureate exam. After potential leaks of subjects of physics-chemistry and Life/Earth Sciences (series S) at the end of May, it is the philosophy questions of the technological exams that have been leaked on the eve of the test. The ministry has reminded students that the new questions "do not change the conditions of the test", but some internet users confirm that they had already started to write their answers to the initial questions before the backup questions were given to them. As for the backups, they were broadcast on Twitter this Thursday morning almost an hour and fifteen too soon ...

the Ministry of Education has launched an inquiry into possible leaks of physics-chemistry and Life/Earth Sciences (SVT) questions for the scientific baccalaureate. The leaks reportedly involved experimental competency assessment questions for the section S, that is, organized practical workshops in physics and SVT. Until the close of the inquiry, the ministry is withholding comment on the exactitude and the extent of these "possible leaks of the evaluation materials", which were reported by a teacher.

Integrity is not just a cornerstone of quality and equity in education; it is the foundation of a healthy, open society. School is typically the first place where children are exposed to diverse cultures and interact with public institutions. Addressing highly visible and criminal misconduct in education is a first step in establishing this trust. Merit-based, high-quality education is essential for Ukraine’s economic growth and social progress. Trust, openness, and transparency are the building blocks of a well-functioning education system and society. With these, Ukraine can achieve better outcomes from its education system, ensuring that human and financial resources are well used, that students have equal opportunities to learn, and that educational qualifications faithfully reflect students’ achievements.

Across the country, academies have been plagued by allegations of financial impropriety, conflicts of interest and even corruption. Unlike schools under local authority control, academies are responsible for their own financial management. Although this means that developing good corporate relations is essential, many have ended up without a proper framework for transparency and accountability. A 2014 report for parliament claimed that “conflicts of interest are common”, adding: “There is a broader sense that the academy system lacks transparency.”

A leaked report has revealed “extreme” government concern after an academy trust was found to have paid its chief executive more than £82,000 for 15 weeks’ work. The investigation, which took place over June and July this year, also found that Wakefield City Academy were unable to produce the list of students receiving pupil premium payments (additional funding to raise the attainment of disadvantaged pupils in schools).

Non-governmental organizations (NGO) have stated there are corruption schemes in the Ministry of Education and Science related to budget funds allocated for the needs of schools. According to the leader of NGO Maidan Information the Ministry of Education issued an order, according to which only one firm can supply school equipment. He noted that most equipment in schools have not been updated since the Soviet times, therefore it is unclear what happens with the UAH 200 million in state funds set aside for this purpose.