Matsec is planning to offer an alternative Maltese language exam, tailor-made for students aiming to join vocational post-secondary institutions like MCAST and ITS, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said on Tuesday. The new exam will be introduced as from scholastic year 2021-22.

However, there are no plans to introduce Maltese as a foreign language to Maltese students.

Mr Bartolo outlined the ministry's plans in a news conference in which he reacted to criticism as well as concerns expressed by academics against placing Maltese as a foreign language at par with the national language.

He insisted that the government’s ultimate objective is to raise the number of fifth-formers achieving SEC certification. The current rate of 61 per cent was not satisfactory, he insisted. 

Referring to recommendations made by experts from the Council of Europe in 2015, the minister said that an alternative form of the Maltese language exam would be introduced to cater for students who are more inclined on taking the vocational route.

Asked to elaborate on the differences which this would bring about, he said the new subject would be similar to the approach being taken at MCAST. Nonetheless, he insisted that standards would not be compromised.

He added that he would like to see both MCAST and ITS introduce this new subject among the entry requirements while pointing out that at present Maltese was not required for admission, except for University.

On the issue of foreigners, he said that they will be obliged to learn Maltese as a foreign language as part of their integration in the local community.

However, on the issue of children having either parent who is not Maltese, Mr Bartolo said no decision has been taken and he expressed his wish to hold talks with academics on the best way forward.

The minister noted that at present, Maltese as a foreign language is already being offered to children of Maltese families who work in EU institutions abroad. He added that this subject has the same weighting in terms of entry qualifications for the University of Malta

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