GEM16+, an educational programme aimed at offering students the opportunity to continue studying and improve their MATSEC O-Level results, is now accepting applications to enrol for the upcoming scholastic year.

The programme describes itself as "an accredited educational programme that offers another opportunity to improve one's O-Level marks and/or achieve one's O-Levels".

The educational programme is conducted over the course of one year and is offered by the Ministry of Education. Students are able to choose to study a number of subjects in preparation for their MATSEC exams. GEM16+ said that the programme is a reparative one, "where teachers focus more on the individual needs of every student". Enrolled students are also eligible to receive a stipend, like other post-secondary students.

Classes within the programme are designed to have a small number of students per class, it said, as this way each student is enabled to have access to more direct support. The programme said that giving individual attention to the students is instrumental in order for them to believe in themselves and become more aware of their abilities.

Explaining who is eligible to apply for GEM16+, the programme said that students who have completed obligatory education and are in possession of a school leaving certificate or profile are eligible. It continued that students who sat for their O-Levels as well as their resits and are looking to improve their results are encouraged to join. It also added that it is looking for students who have a good basis in the subjects on offer at the centre and wish to continue their academic studies.

Describing the curriculum programme, the programme said that students who enrol are able to study a number of SEC subjects, including Mathematics, Maltese, English, Physics, and Biology. GEM16+ also said that it offers PE, PSCD, and ICT classes. Additionally, it offers customised Maltese lessons for foreign students.

GEM16+ continued that students who have obtained a passing grade of between 1 to 5 in their English Language O-Level also have the option to study English Literature. It said that it also offers the Prince's Trust Programme.

If a student has already obtained a grade of 1 to 5 in an SEC subject, then they will be exempt from attending lessons for that particular subject, though they can choose to attend those lessons if they wish to improve their grade regardless. "Albeit said students may be eligible to attend lessons of other subjects as mentioned above, for example in the case of English Language," GEM16+ commented.

Regarding the programme's method of assessment, it said that it generally starts the academic year with a screening process to identify a student's needs pertaining to each subject. It continued that there is then a continuous assessment to ensure progress is achieved. "This is done on the specific requisites of said subjects. Approximately a month before the SEC exams, every student has to sit for a summative exam of every academic subject."

The programme said that this exam serves as an opportunity to go over the results of this exam with their teachers in order to analyse which weaknesses can be strengthened in preparation for the SEC exams.

At the end of the educational programme, the programme said that a final certificate is awarded to the GEM16+ students which is "not only based on the summative exam but also on a system of continuous assessment throughout the academic year and executive functioning skills". It said that these skills refer to a combination of attention, initiative, organisation, communication, and emotional control skills and that this is done so as to give the students an occasion to showcase qualities aside from those that are academic.

The GEM16+ programme is awarded accreditation at Level 3 or 2 according to the Malta Qualifications Framework, the programme said, continuing that this qualification incorporates subjects taught at the centre. "Furthermore, on completion of our programme, there are stand-alone awards that can be achieved at MQF Level 3 or 2 for English, Maths, Maltese, Physics, and Biology."

It said that this means that besides the opportunity to improve one's O-Level results, "the stand-alone awards are recognised by a number of post-secondary educational institutions that require a Level 3 qualification to pursue their courses".

GEM16+ said that students at the centre will have the support of its pastoral team, which is made up of guidance teachers, a counsellor, a career advisor, and mentors who "will guide and help every student achieve their full potential on an individual basis".

It continued that all students are expected to attend regularly and that those who are eligible to receive a stipend will do so depending on their attendance. The programme's academic year is based on the state school post-secondary calendar. It added that while students do not have to wear a uniform, they are expected to wear appropriate attire "whilst allowing for self-expression through their clothes and accessories".

Anyone interested in applying or seeking further information can do so by visiting the programme's Facebook page or by going to the centre in Gzira. GEM16+ can also be contacted by calling 2598 3850.