National educational benchmarks to be established

The Junior Lyceum's exam system will be dissected as part of the government's aim to establish national benchmarks at primary and secondary levels, according to Education Minister Louis Galea.

Dr Galea was speaking during an Open Day at the Luqa primary school on Sunday.

The school, which has been completely rebuilt, will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister today.

Speaking about the Matsec exam, Dr Galea said that after receiving the report called Strengthening A National Examination System, it was time for the Junior Lyceum exam system to undergo a critical analysis.

One of the proposed changes is to develop national benchmarks at different stages of the students' educational development so that parents will have a better idea of how their children compare to other students in their age group.

A comparative study with other educational systems will also be carried out.

"The analysis will include a study on the impact these exams have on all those involved, from students to teachers and parents.

"The experts will be listening to the experiences of all those involved and looking into the syllabus and content, among other things, which can shed light on the students' educational development," the minister said.