For any school, exam season is a moment of utmost importance. At Avenor, however, this process goes far beyond standard rigour – it involves an extensive effort of coordinated action, meticulous planning, and strict adherence to international standards.
To better understand what goes into organising an exam session – from the earliest preparations that begin months in advance to the moment students enter the exam hall – we spoke with Luminița Susanu, Student Programmes Manager and Examinations Officer. With her characteristic professionalism and precision, Luminița offers us a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most complex and vital processes in the school’s life.
Silence in the Exam Rooms Conceals Months of Carefully Coordinated Work
At Avenor, organising an international exam session is a lengthy process, carried out with thoroughness, precision, and constant care for students – so that everything runs perfectly at a high-stakes moment.
It all begins in November, with the arrival of official timetables from Cambridge International (CIE) and AQA. These are adapted to the school’s context, validated by the academic leadership, and subsequently shared with students and parents.
In January and February, a crucial step takes place – the official registration of students. Each choice is checked with the utmost care – even the smallest error can have significant consequences.
March is dedicated to generating final timetables, allocating rooms, and preparing materials. Meanwhile, the logistics team and teachers ensure that every detail is in place.
In April, students attend information sessions on exam regulations, and invigilators – including volunteer parents – are trained to comply with the strict requirements of the international boards.
Then, in May and June, exams unfold at a rapid pace, under clear procedures designed to ensure the fairness and security of the entire process.
Exams Taken by Avenor Students
External assessments at Avenor begin in Grade 8 with the Cambridge Checkpoint exam in Mathematics – a valuable diagnostic tool that indicates students’ academic level and their readiness for the next stage of learning. In Grade 9, students take the Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language exam, which strengthens their language skills and familiarises them with the structure and requirements of future Cambridge assessments.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams are taken in Grade 10, following a comprehensive two-year programme and covering multiple subjects. The journey continues in Grades 11 and 12 with A Level exams – in two stages, AS and A2.
AS exams are taken in Grade 11 and represent the first half of the A Level qualification, with students typically choosing 3–4 subjects. In Grade 12, students complete the A Level programme, which is widely recognised for university admission around the world. This stage deepens subject-specific knowledge and academic skills. The subjects are generally the same as those taken at AS level but continued at a more advanced stage, A2. Assessments are mostly written exams, sometimes complemented by coursework or practical components.
All of these exams require detailed logistics – from mock exams under real conditions to securing materials and preparing spaces according to international standards.
Procedural Rigour, Officially Recognised
Adhering to the regulations set by Cambridge and AQA is a commitment shared by the entire Avenor team. Each step is documented, verified, and audited. During this exam session, Avenor was inspected by both boards.
Following the on-site inspection from Cambridge, we received the highest rating – Completely Satisfactory – and AQA inspectors had only words of praise for how the session was organised: professionalism, impeccable organisation, with no recommendations for improvement.
These official recognitions are both an honour and a source of motivation.
Parents – Partners in the Process
For the past four years, Avenor parents have been invited to volunteer as exam invigilators. Every year, over 40 parents choose to participate and support us in this complex process, which demands considerable resources. It is a voluntary contribution that speaks volumes about the spirit of our community, and we are always touched to receive messages of appreciation such as this one:
“Dear parents,
I’d like to share with you an experience I had last year when, out of curiosity, I accepted the school’s invitation to be an exam invigilator. I was present for the Mathematics, Spanish, and History exams, in different high school classes. I was absolutely fascinated by the level of organisation and how well-prepared and disciplined the students were.
In conclusion, if you have an hour and a half to spare or can find a bit of time in your schedule, I wholeheartedly recommend giving yourself this moment of quiet and reflection – it is truly worth it!”
For parents, the experience provides a new perspective on high school life and the real challenges involved in taking international exams. They are impressed by the calm and focus of the students, the high level of organisation, and the opportunity to witness the exam environment first-hand. For students, the presence of parent invigilators – even if they are not their own – can have a calming effect, offering a sense of community and support in a stressful moment.
Exams – A Learning and Confidence-Building Exercise
Beyond testing knowledge, international exams are valuable exercises in autonomy, responsibility, and emotional management. At Avenor, we treat them seriously – not just as an endpoint, but as an integral part of each student’s development and a solid bridge to future academic success.
