Following the publication of the SEC results, students who have competed their compulsory education have to make very important decisions which will potentially impact the rest of their lives. They have to decide whether to further their studies, and if so, what and where to study.
Due to the significance of this decision, it is important that they make an informed choice, one that is based not on hearsay or on what friends are going to do, but on facts and solid advice.
Every year, the Junior College embarks on an extensive outreach programme, the Next Stop Junior College, which involves visits by schools to the college, orientation meetings, the publication of the prospectus, and a guidance service to prospective students. In this way, the college hopes to help students in their decision.
One of the most popular career paths chosen by students is to continue their studies at the University of Malta and the passport to this prestigious institution is the matriculation certificate. To obtain the certificate, students have to study two subjects at advanced level, three subjects at intermediate level, and Systems of Knowledge, which is a compulsory subject.
Statistics show that the obvious choice for most students seeking to obtain the matriculation certificate is the Junior College. The college offers a unique learning experience which is of high quality, personalised, inclusive and holistic.
At the college, students follow a two-year formative course aimed at bridging the gap between secondary education and higher education, acquiring the matriculation certificate, and preparing them for life, including the world of work.
The Junior College is not a glorified secondary school, nor does it treat its students as undergraduates. This is why it is unique, because it offers an environment that is conducive and appropriate for the learning needs of 16- to 18-year-olds in their transition from childhood to adulthood.
Junior College offers all students a truly impressive choice of subjects. Students can choose any combination of subjects which are offered by Matsec, both at advanced and intermediate level. Subjects offered by Matsec are divided into four major groups.
It is strongly recommended that students identify the subjects they like, their competence and career inclinations. In order to obtain the matriculation certificate, students have to choose at least one subject from groups 1, 2 and 3, and two other subjects from a group of their choice.
There are other avenues of admission as we acknowledge that some students may learn at a different rate or would like to change subjects
Although most courses at University just require the matriculation certificate, a number of courses have special course requirements which the student has to be aware of when choosing subjects.
Junior College also has a team of truly dedicated professionals engaged to teach students. Only the best and most deserving are recruited and the college provides all the support for their continuous professional development.
A lot of attention is given to the academic programme, but the college takes into account that students need to grow on different levels. Therefore, the Junior College offers an extensive range of informal and non-formal programmes to complement the formal curriculum.
For this reason, students have the possibility of choosing from a wide range of co-curricular programmes, ranging from theatre and performance to music, sports, entrepreneurship, art and science.
The college strongly believes that the physical environment plays a pivotal role in the learning process. For this purpose, the college has embarked on an extensive and ambitious refurbishment programme to ensure that all facilities are of the highest standard to meet today’s teaching and learning needs.
The 16- to 18-year age bracket presents a challenging time for students. A lot of parents can attest to the change their children experience. At Junior College, we are aware of the emotional turmoil and challenges students may be going through and provide them with the necessary support.
The college has a very effective pastoral care system which takes into account that our students are growing up and do not want to be treated as children. However, parents are very often positively surprised and impressed that we give so much attention to our students. The lecturers are at the forefront of this support system, but in addition, there are the Student Support Services Committee, the Student Support Services Office, the counsellors, the youth worker, and the chaplain, all of who support students in their needs.
The college is proud of being an inclusive institution and all applicants may be admitted to the college if they are in possession of six passes at SEC level or equivalent. These have to include Maltese, English, mathematics, a science subject, and two other subjects. For the first time, the two other subjects may be vocational subjects at SEC level.
The majority of students join the college as first years, however, there are other avenues of admission as we acknowledge that some students may learn at a different rate or would like to change subjects. These students have the possibility of restarting a year, if need be, even both years of the course. This is a first.
Furthermore, students who were previously registered at another institution may also apply to restart the course as first year, to continue their second year at the college or to repeat their second year.
In addition, new conditions have been introduced this year intended to further encourage students to continue with their education. Students who have to suspend their studies for valid extraordinary reasons, are now given the opportunity to restart the following year without being considered as repeaters.
The college also recognises that due to certain valid extraordinary challenges or circumstances, a number of students may not be in a position to complete the course in two years or may have other problems to join the college. While in the past these students could not even apply, as from this year, the application of these students will be considered on its own merits following submission of relevant documentation and taking into consideration entry regulations.
Joining Junior College could not be easier. Information about joining the College may be found at www.jc.um.edu.mt/prospectivestudents/applyonline. Online applications (www.jc.um.edu.mt/apply) will be received until Tuesday.
The information above is aimed at helping students make an informed decision. More information can be found in the Junior College Prospectus 2017, the college website or by sending an e-mail to admin@jc.um.edu.mt.
Paul Xuereb is principal at the Junior College.