School-leaving certificate revamped
Playing an instrument, joining the Girl Guides, working in the parish, and even a dose of altruism are being given equal recognition as other academic achievements, with their inclusion on a revamped school-leaving certificate.
The certificate, announced yesterday by Education Minister Dolores Cristina, does not only highlight academic skills but other competencies, giving importance to attendance and other aspects of school life.
This is a significant change given that the education system is known to be heavily exams-oriented.
With the importance it is giving to values and extracurricular activities, the certificate issued at the end of secondary school should serve as an incentive for students to develop their personality, Ms Cristina said.
During the obligatory school years, students will be assessed on their personal qualities, including their altruism, she pointed out.
"We do not want them to advance only academically," she continued, saying the certificate, which had Europe-wide recognition, would help give a deserved push to these values.
After five years of secondary school, students will end up with a record not just of examination results but also of teachers' assessments, while informal education, covering activities both in and out of school, will feature on the certificate.
Ms Cristina highlighted the importance of recognising the educational values of these activities and giving them due consideration in the school-leaving certificate.
The aim of the change is to be able to meet the targets of the Lisbon Agenda, whereby 85 per cent of secondary students continue their studies, Ms Cristina said.
The new certificate, which marks another step in the country's educational reform, is being adopted by every school, starting from Form III students and below.
It is the fruit of work by the Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education, the Malta Council for Qualifications, Church and independent schools, among others.
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Jonathan Camilleri
Nov 25th 2012, 09:01
Maybe one should update wikipedia article http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_in_Malta, in view of the changes, so we give the right impression to researchers.
Christian Sciberras
Jan 17th 2010, 22:27
@C.ZARB - A couple of weeks ago, I've heard about a case where a person was promoted to general manager from a lower grade, only to be fired some time later on.
The problem was this person wasn't good at his job, however decorated he was.
@Franco Farrugia - As a student, I have seen the best and worst of teachers. Some do an excellent job, regardless of the kind of students they face.
Other teachers fill the post just so they could work at something. They hardly give a shit about their students, brilliant or not.
"And by the way, it is true: sports and physical exercise helps the mind and helps students to be intellectually better."
It is also true that you can cannon yourself to the moon.
Evidence.
Franco Farrugia
Oct 16th 2009, 09:14
@ Christian Sciberras - Perhaps you can explain to us where the teachers' failings are? As far as I know, there are students who want to learn and there are those who don't want. Most of the latter are simply impossible to teach - and whether we like it or not, whether we try to disguise the reality with happy-looking school-leaving certificates or not, the stark reality is there to stay - there are students who for various reasons will combat any way, modern or not, of trying to help them learn.
And by the way, it is true: sports and physical exercise helps the mind and helps students to be intellectually better.
C.ZARB
Oct 16th 2009, 07:45
Can anyone pls tell me what a student achieve nowadays by a having a good school leaving certificate? You need qualifications to find a good job and not a good school leaving certificate.
Malcolm Borg
Oct 15th 2009, 14:43
A big well done!
Christian Sciberras
Oct 15th 2009, 13:50
I would suggest to Ms Cristina to try a different strategy...by revising syllabi and enforcing teaching best practices (including firing personnel, if needed, and it is).
Personally, this change in certificate is just a way to manpilate students in a way to excuse teachers' incompetences.
Christian Sciberras
Oct 15th 2009, 13:43
"Physical activity also helps to improve the intellectual abilities of children. "
Where exactly did you get that?
It's the mind that drives the body, not vice-versa.
C Micallef
Oct 15th 2009, 11:25
EXCELLENT INDEED. What is white is I say is white and what is black I say is black. The new school-leaving certificate is a good thing in the right direction. We hope to see more students participate in sports. Physical activity is healthy especially considering the fact that we have so many obese children. Physical activity also helps to improve the intellectual abilities of children.
Please choose the reason of your report below: