Government has remained mum on changes it has made to the school leaving certificate system, not answering questions sent by this newsroom over three weeks ago.
A circular drafted by the Directorate of Quality and Standards in Education was sent to Heads of Schools, stating that the Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SSC&P) will, as of the coming scholastic year, be considered at MQF level 3 (the same level reserved SEC grades 1-5). “Considering that the educational journey in compulsory schooling prepares students up to MQF level 3, this shall be reflected in both the overall level of the certificate as well as at an individual subject level,” the Circular read.
It also states that as of the 2014/15 scholastic year, the percentage weighting assigned to formal, informal and non-formal learning within the school leaving certificate have been revised.
Revisions made include that formal learning (given a 65% weighted domain) will be retained as the only requirement to be awarded an accredited level. Non-formal and informal learning may only impact positively in terms of level attainment. The Certificate will be considered a Certificate of Accomplishment, thus attendance will be shown however will not have an impact on the level being awarded, and individual subject levels can also reach MQF level 3.
The circular reads that the acquisition of a level depends on a pass in three core subjects “from amongst English, Maltese, Mathematics and a science subject(Physics Chemistry of Biology). Core subjects make up 38% of the formal learning section.
In a Parliamentary Question, PN MP George Pullicino asked Education Minister Evarist Bartolo if “In the coming 2015 intake for Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, students would be accepted with an MQF level 3 school leaving certificate without the need for any other MATSEC qualification.
In response, the Minister said, “Work is ongoing with Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary for the SSC&P certificate level 3 be eligible for one to enter this secondary school This is happening to recognise the high level of assessment occurring at the end of Secondary education. The level reached by students is also being recognised, at MQF levels 1, 2 and 3. At the same time, students are being encouraged, like previous years, to achieve the best possible MATSEC examination results as possible. This aside from the fact that students will continue to be prepared to undertake MATSEC examinations”.
The Minister did not answer as to whether or not O-levels would be required to enter Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary, and a question following this answer was sent asking whether o-levels would be required to enter the school as of September 2015. No answer was received.
PN MP George Pullicino, contacted by the paper believes that no O-levels will now be required. “My question was very clear. And the Minister’s reply was as clear. He admitted that a school leaving certificate will from now onwards be enough to enter the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and no other O-Levels will be required. But he tried to coat his reply or rather to camouflage his response. If O-Levels are still required he could have simply replied NO to my very clear question. This is another case of lowering standards in education by this present government”.
Prior to this Parliamentary answer, a long list of questions were sent by this newsroom to the Education Ministry around a month ago on the issue. The questions asked, which received no answer, included whether such a certificate would now be required for 6th Form and if it would be considered an alternative to MATSEC.