Josef Cutajar

What changes to the education system would you suggest to promote creativity and employability in students?

While the University offers sound grounding in theory it should strive to give students more practice on how it is applied. Josef Cutajar, BA in Communication and European Studies.

Student assignments and assessments should be based not only on what they study but also on their own ideas; they should be free to discuss issues from their own perspective. Emanuel Zammit, BA in European Studies.

I think subjects such as art, drama and dance need to be less looked down upon by the education system as it only stifles those who strive for creativity. Dixi Taylor, BA in Sociology.

Emanuel Zammit

What would you have liked to have more, or less, of during secondary school and sixth form?

In school there should be less exam pressure and more exposure to the world of work. Attending school should be a growing experience rather than a countdown to Judgement Day. Josef Cutajar

More student activism, especially in secondary school. During sixth form, it would be a more positive journey if students were given space to develop their interpersonal skills. Emanuel Zammit

In secondary school I would like aspects other than academia to be rewarded. In sixth form the main goal becomes university so other aspects of life can be lost. Dixi Taylor

Dixi Taylor

Do you agree with the proposal for the University to be more flexible regarding the requirement of having a Maths and Maltese O level to enter any of its courses? Why/why not?

No. I expect students of Malta’s highest education institution to know the basics of their mother tongue and basic maths, which are assets for University life and beyond. Josef Cutajar

No. Having a basic knowledge of the minimum entry subjects not only enables students to perform better at University but also attain a better standard of living in daily life. Emanuel Zammit

I understand the need for Maltese in terms of nationalism, but if maths is not be needed for courses it should not be required. Some people aren’t wired that way and shouldn’t be forced to be. Dixi Taylor