Academics concerned on removal of core subjects requirement

Academics have raised concern about the University of Malta’s Junior College removing the requirement of a pass in Maltese, English and Maths for entry into the college, questioning how the move would serve to improve students’ education.  Previously, students hoping to attend the college needed to obtain three passes in all three subjects as well as a pass in one of three science subjects to be accepted for study.  However, those applying to Junior College from October will only require one pass mark from one of the core subjects. Students will be required to obtain a pass in the other two core subjects during their time in post-secondary education, as these are nonetheless still required in order to join the University of Malta.  Though the University of Malta's pro-rector defended the move, academics raised concerns and questioned the validity of the lowering minimum requirements in light of Maltese students slipping literacy skills.  According to last year’s SEC results, some 17 per cent of students who sat for Maltese, 18 per cent of those who sat for Math, and 14 per cent of students who took their English language exams were only able to obtain a ‘U’, which is a failing...