the matura examinations appear to create in most instances incentives that are at odds with the stated goal of providing a competencyoriented education furthermore policy makers and educators recognise that matura examinations focus the effort attention and investment of learners disproportionately at the end of studies while the preceding years of study such as grades and in the gymnasium are weakly incentivised students would be required to plan implement and present a project and to be assessed on this work by their teacher and an independent assessment board of subject professionals it is hoped that this projectbased learning w ould encourage not only the development of subject knowledge but wider competencies including creativity analytical skills critical thinking and communication skills