New sixth form offers students a shot at 'liberal education'

Fifty-seven students have embarked on a historical journey at St Martin's College's newly-christened sixth form, which offers them a shot at "liberal education".

The college in Swatar will offer students the chance to study literature, history and the appreciation of the arts, while inculcating the essential understanding of science and technology.

"We will aim at developing the students' full potential and securing excellent academic results, which will be translated into concrete tertiary course offers at the University of Malta and various British and European universities," college principal Bernie Mizzi said.

Ms Mizzi was speaking on Tuesday at the official inauguration of the college's sixth form by Education Minister Louis Galea.

Maria Cutajar and Timothy Agius, both first-year sixth form students, introduced the event and Swatar parish priest Fr Gordon Refalo officiated.This sixth form offers a balanced programme of subjects at an advanced and intermediate level to allow students to live more reflectively and knowledgeably.

"This ought to make students better understand the interests, needs and aspirations of others so that they can treat others with respect and sympathy," Ms Mizzi said.

While most sixth form courses lead to the Matsec certificate, which satisfies the entry requirements for University of Malta, St Martin's College also offers students who wish to study in the UK the possibility of taking three A levels and one intermediate (systems of knowledge). Professional guidance will be offered to students opting for this course.

First-year students will also have to complete 100 hours of community service, which may be carried out with pupils with special needs, the elderly, and children in care.

Sixth form head Tonio Pace said the college wants students to think outside the box, to see change not as a threat but as an opportunity, to work hard and achieve on their own merits.

"We want a college based on respect, respect towards yourselves as individuals and respect towards others, be it your classmates, lecturers or whoever you happen to meet on this journey," he said.

"This respect is not based on meritocracy, but on tolerance and the importance of understanding each other's views."

Mr Pace insisted that the sixth form's opening year was not an experiment, which will run on a trial-and-error basis. St Martin's College had a long tradition of successes in the various facets of education.

"All our decisions are either informed decisions, where we seek professional guidance in a particular field, or else are based on our invaluable experiences which we gathered during our work in the educational sphere," he added.

"We are flexible on the programmes and approaches, but uncompromising on the values and the quality of the service we offer to parents and, above all, to our students."

The students were not alone in dreaming about their future.

Mr Pace too had his own dream and vision.

"I want our sixth form to be sustainable and to withstand the test of time. I envisage a sixth form that gives higher value to knowledge, more opportunities to develop one's potential, and one that focuses on the use of technological developments so that the education we offer is relevant both in today's and in tomorrow's realities," he said.

Mr Pace wanted a sixth form based on the open exchange of ideas with all stakeholders.

He encouraged students, parents, lecturers and all staff members to come forward with their ideas, suggestions and concerns to help the college make well-balanced and informed decisions.

Dr Galea spoke of the government's commitment to help parents and students in private schools, which he felt had an important role in society.

This year, the government had also introduced a scholarship scheme for 150 students who took on undergraduate courses at private institutions. This was apart from the government's scheme for postgraduate studies, which was now in its second year.

The government had launched a number of schemes and tax credits, which provided concrete help.

Dr Galea said St Martin's sixth form students will be benefiting from the student maintenance grants scheme and the smart cart system. This will give them a substantial amount of money, which they can use to support themselves and buy educational material. This year, over 15,000 students will be benefiting from such grants with an outlay of Lm8.2 million (€19.1 million).