An analysis of the Matsec system is to be carried out - nine years after the first Matsec exams were held.

Education Minister Louis Galea said in reply to parliamentary question yesterday that the review was necessitated by the period of time since Matsec was introduced and the need for it to conform to the National Minimum Curriculum.

Dr Galea said he was satisfied that after nine years, the Matsec system was widely accepted and enjoyed substantial credibility among Maltese and foreigners.

The national curriculum, he said, was changing the approach to primary and secondary education and he had therefore asked the education authorities to analyse the Matsac system to ensure that, particularly at ordinary level, the exam reflected the objectives of the curriculum.

Dr Galea said he would like to see if measures could be introduced so that Matsec at ordinary level would also be linked to a school leaving certificate. So far candidates sat for Matsec only if they wished, but he would like to see a system where Matsec would also be a national certificate of the education level reached by all students at age 16.

The review, he said, would need to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Matsec and also aspects of an organisational nature including electronic means for application and the publication of results.

The issue of revision of papers would also form part of the review.

The minister was replying to questions by Helen D'Amato (PN) and Carmelo Abela (MLP).