The MATSEC examination board has launched the public consultation for the post-secondary Matriculation programme reform.
The Matriculation Certificate course is a post-secondary two-year programme aimed at preparing students for entry to university. MATSEC is responsible for the provision and the quality of the Matriculation Certificate that is designed to prepare students for their future.
Sixth formers will be required to learn at least one foreign language and rewarded for taking part in drama and other co-curricular activities if a proposed reform to the post-secondary matriculation certificate system is implemented.
The proposed reform is open to public consultation until the end of the month and was unveiled on Monday morning by Matsec examinations board Chairman Frank Ventura.
Under the proposals, assessment of all subjects at intermediate and advanced level would now feature an assessment by teachers which will contribute to 20 per cent of the final grade. School assessments will be marked by the school, but moderated by Matsec. This would be introduced by the academic year beginning 2020.
Matsec wants to encourage “promising athletes” to continue practicing their sport on a regular basis during their two-year post-secondary schooling. Criteria for eligibility will be set by experts from the Malta Olympic Committee and Sport Malta.
The existing Systems of Knowledge course will be restructured to better reflect “21st century skills”. The compulsory project will be removed, and replaced by class discussions and debates. The course will focus more on critical thinking, leadership, and other important skills, that will be taught in both Maltese an English.
Starting in 2020, students starting their post-secondary schooling will have to choose one of four foreign languages (Spanish, French, German, or Italian) at either A-level, Intermediary, or a new proficiency level which will focus on the four core language skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The four areas will be given equal weighting.
The proposed reform will see co-curricular initiatives, such as participation in on-campus drama activities, or student fora, included in students’ assessment as of 2020.
Voluntary involvement in these activities will contribute up to 3 additional grade points as part of the Matriculation certificate. It will involve a minimum of 80 hours of participation, and be supervised by a tutor.
