Lecturers of Maltese, English and mathematics have expressed their concern at the lowering of entry requirements for the Junior College as announced by the University earlier this year.
The University Senate, in a meeting held on January 20, 2022 decreed that students in possession of six passes (Grades 1-5) at SEC level, with at least one pass in one of the core subjects (Maltese, English Language and Mathematics) will be allowed to enroll at the Junior College on a probationary basis. Such students will need to achieve a pass mark in the remaining core subject/s in order for them to be able to proceed to the University.
This means that, whereas in the past a pass mark in all three subjects was required for entry, as from this academic year only one is needed
“We, the undersigned, all of whom are involved in the teaching of Maltese, English, and Mathematics at tertiary level in Malta, would like to express our concern about the recent changes in the entry requirements to the Junior College, specifically allowing for the enrolment of students to the College even if they will only have passed one of Maltese, English, and Mathematics at SEC level,” the lecturers said in a statement.
“Basic knowledge of and proficiency in the two official languages and in Mathematics is essential for students to pursue their post-secondary and tertiary education with profit. For the sake of the students themselves, we believe that any changes made should not lessen the importance of these competencies.
“While we acknowledge that the Junior College and the University of Malta should assist all the students who have difficulties in learning languages, Mathematics, and any other subject, we believe that such a crucial decision, which is bound to have serious effects on the students’ knowledge of Maltese, English, and Mathematics, should be taken after wide and serious consultation with experts in the various subjects.
The lecturers who signed the statement are:
Prof. Albert Borg, Department of Maltese
Prof. Stella Borg Barthet, Department of English
Prof. Ivan Callus, Department of English
Prof. Arnold Cassola, Department of Maltese
Prof. Emanuel Chetcuti, Department of Mathematics
Prof. James Corby, Department of English
Prof. Maria Frendo, Department of English
Prof. Adrian Grima, Department of Maltese
Prof. Valentin Gutev, Department of Mathematics
Prof. Josef Lauri, Department of Mathematics
Prof. Bernard Micallef, Department of Maltese
Prof. Manwel Mifsud, Department of Maltese
Prof. Josef Muscat, Department of Mathematics
Prof. Irene Sciriha, Department of Mathematics
Prof. Lydia Sciriha, Department of English
Prof. Cristiana Sebu, Department of Mathematics
Dr Mario Aquilina, Department of English
Dr James Borg, Department of Mathematics
Dr George Farrugia, Department of Maltese
Dr Marija Grech, Department of English
Dr Immanuel Mifsud, Department of Maltese
Dr Krista Bonello Rutter Giappone, Department of English
Dr Michael Spagnol, Department of Maltese
Dr Olvin Vella, Department of Maltese
Ms Justine Somerville, Department of Maltese