Minister of Education Louis Galea officially opened the Sixth Form at St Martin’s College last week.
The college has worked with consultants, teachers, parents and students for over two years to put together a two-year programme of studies that offers students a balanced curriculum, which should translate into excellent results at Advanced and Intermediate levels.
Fifty-seven students have taken up a variety of courses at Sixth Form.
The newly refurbished Sixth Form area has been well received by parents, staff and students. Small class sizes and the establishment of an exciting learning community have also attracted students to St Martin’s College.
St Martin’s College believes that through an exciting, effective and personalised educational programme, students will value learning and creativity while being equipped with the knowledge, skills and attitude to face new challenges confidently in a fast-changing world.
In Sixth Form, planning strategies depart from the premise that 16-18-year-old students will develop their full potential when engaged in an educational programme that teaches students rather than subjects.
The two-year programme will be guided by the vision that a student can realise his/her full potential in a challenging, well-ordered and well-balanced educational setting. The established framework of real values, the structure that aims at ensuring the acquisition of basic skills within an exciting and vibrant programme, as well as broad-based, holistic curriculum translate into high academic achievement. Students at Sixth Form are expected to THINK!
There are various combinations of subjects on offer that satisfy the requirements for entry into the University of Malta and UK universities.
Small class sizes – 10/12 at Advanced level and 15 at Intermediate level will allow for the much-needed individual attention at this level.
While most courses at Sixth Form lead to the Matsec Certificate, which satisfies University of Malta entry requirements, St Martin’s College also offers those students who wish to study in the UK, the possibility of taking three ‘A’ Levels and one Intermediate (Systems of Knowledge). Professional guidance will be offered to students opting for this course.
The Head of Sixth Form leads the team of qualified, professional lecturers/teachers. Staff has been recruited keeping the highest teaching standards in mind. Together, they will lead students to academic success and to general formation. Each student will be assigned a tutor. The tutor will monitor the student’s progress in all areas of study and will assist the student if and when the need arises.
Teachers and students will engage in traditional and innovative teaching/learning styles, which will ensure that students remain focused and interested in their courses.
Sixth Form Students will be bound by ground rules laid down by the learning community they form part of. Professional psychologists, social workers and care workers will be available.
The Sixth Form premises have been designed to offer a spacious and stylish working environment for students and teachers/lecturers. Every lecture room is equipped with the latest technology including Internet access. The two science laboratories have been refurbished and updated in order to provide all the necessary requirements at ‘A’ Level. A common room has also been planned, which includes computers, a flat screen TV and a DVD facility all complementing the non-alcoholic bar and sofa areas.
Sixth formers will also have access to the Special Reference section of the library that has been chosen for them. Over 500 new books, dozens of audiotapes and DVDs covering various topics have been acquired. A quiet area for study has also been organised for sixth formers. A fitness centre, sports facilities as well as an outdoor area for sixth formers will also be available.
There is no uniform at Sixth Form but students are expected to attend college appropriately dressed.
International students are most welcome! Although international students will not be housed at the college, arrangements can be made to locate a host family.
First-year students are to complete 100 hours of community service. This can be done with pupils with special needs, the elderly, and children in care. Work and active research relating to environmental issues may also be chosen.
First and second year students will be encouraged to take part in Sport/Drama/Film activities that will be organised by the college. Since all learning will be valued, participation in the above mentioned activities would gain valuable points that will be recorded on the final Students’ Profile issued by the college on completion of the two-year programme.
Between first year and second year, Sixth Form students are encouraged to work for a three-week period at a job closely related to one of the ‘A’ levels they have chosen and which is connected to their career choice. Valuable points will be awarded on the Students’ Profile. The college will organise such placements.
Maltese students studying at St Martin’s College are entitled to their stipend.