Talents 'have to be recognised'

A student who did not like maths was once caught sketching his teacher during the lesson rather than taking note of formulae and equations.

When he left school, his school-leaving certificate showed he was not good with numbers but his artistic talent went unnoticed since there was no formal art subject to go by, the chairman of the Malta Qualifications Council, Joseph Abela Fitzpatrick, recalled.

But, if that boy were at school now, things would be different as the education system moves towards the recognition of students' talents and skills, acquired through informal education.

Referring to cases like this, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi yesterday stressed the importance of recognising informal education that went beyond exam-tested subjects.

He was speaking during a conference that aimed to help social partners better understand the reform and importance of validating informal learning.

"There are many talented people out there. Some can reproduce what they see but have no certificates to show for it... Informal learning is an important ingredient in the development of individuals and the country. We must make sure it is given formal recognition," Dr Gonzi said.

He added that, as part of the education reform, as from next year the school-leaving certificate would be revamped.

Rather than an exclusively exam-oriented system, importance will also be given to extracurricular activities so that the certificate, issued at the end of secondary school, would serve as an incentive for students to develop their personality.

Informal learning experiences, which might include playing an instrument, working in the parish, or participating in sports, will be listed among the students' achievements.