The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the UK’s leading qualifications-awarding body, Edexcel.
MCAST has therefore joined an elite club, with only five other centres in the world having achieved this recognition. Three of these centres are based in Malaysia, the others are in Bahrain and Pakistan.
MCAST is the first centre in Europe to achieve this status – an important accomplishment for MCAST, considering that Edexcel operates in over 110 countries worldwide.
Cyprus is Edexcel’s largest customer in Europe, followed by Spain and Malta.
Speaking at the presentation of the award yesterday, Edexcel chairman Martin Cross said he was delighted to have been invited to Malta to present this prestigious award to the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology.
Mr Cross said that Edexcel and MCAST have forged a strong partnership since the college was established in 2000.
MCAST has, he said, continually exceeded expectations in all key performance areas, and has constantly achieved high-quality assurance ratings since offering BTEC qualifications.
It has shown best practice in its continual investment in educational resources, as demonstrated by its dedicated Library and Learning and Resource Centre.
Mr Cross also pointed out that MCAST has shown originality and innovation, for example in the recent development of its vocational teacher-training programme.
“The staff and management of MCAST should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved, and I believe that students attending this centre will be guaranteed the finest of educational experiences,” said Mr Cross.
MCAST principal and CEO Frank Edwards, said that the award is a well-deserved recognition for all the hard work and dedication of all those involved with the development of the college.
Malta has always had a strong tradition of vocational education and training, he said, and the adoption of Edexcel programmes was building on the solid experiences of the past.
“However, this is a wonderful moment. It is a recognition of teamwork and reflects the extraordinary efforts relating to governance, management, lecturing staff and our students.
“This award also shows that MCAST is moving in the right direction and is a clear statement to all stakeholders that they can be confident in the college’s provision.
“This award will keep us focused on the mission that was set for the college: to be a centre of vocational excellence in the Mediterranean Region,” said Mr Edwards.
The Edexcel International Centre of Excellence Award came into being in order to recognise exceptional quality, best practice and innovation in the delivery of education worldwide. Edexcel introduced this award to encourage centres to strive for this status and to enhance the quality of vocational education and training around the world.
Edexcel is part of Pearson Education, the world’s largest educational organisation, which is uniquely placed to recognise outstanding performance in the delivery of vocational education and training.
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