89.9% of SEC exam candidates achieved satisfactory results in the basic subjects, - Maths, English, Maltese, the science subjects and Computer Studies- enabling them to progress to post-secondary courses, the Ministry of Education said.
It said that exams in 33 subjects were held.
The ministry gave the following figures of results in the 'A' paper exams. The percentages relate to grades between 1 and 5, which are necessary for progress to post-secondary courses:
Maltese: 2,689 candidates, 86.4%;
Maths: 2,199 candidates, 92.9%;
Englsh: 2,896 candidates, 88.5%;
Physics: 2,316 candidates, 89.9% .
Computer Studies: 941 candidates, 91.9%.
The highest percentages of positive results in A paper exams were achieved in Italian (96.1%) French (94.7%) European Studies (93.6%) Maths and Geography (92.8%).
The exam candidates are receiving their results today on SMS.
OPPOSITION SEEKS ANALYSIS
Opposition education spokesman Evarist Bartolo congratulated the successful students but called for a proper, honest analysis of the results, rather than 'playing with numbers'.
He said the government statement had not said what percentage of final year secondary school students had sat for the exams. Neither did it give figures regarding those who sat for the SEC B paper.
He asked how many students were in the final year of secondary school, how many sat for the exams, how many achieved grades between one and five and how many got six and seven? How many failed?
What was the success rate in government, church and independent schools?
He observed that over the past five years only 60% of the total number of students achieved the necessary grades to go to post-secondary courses. Only 41% of state school students continued post-secondary studies.
PN'S CONGRATULATIONS
The Nationalist Party said that such a high success rate confirmed the strengths of the education system, the good work of the teachers and the skills of the pupils.
It said that education was a central pillar in government policy and major investment was being made in this sector.
The PN said that students who had not achieved the desired results should not give up.