Earlier this evening, Studenti Demokristjani Maltin (SDM) published the following Press Release on their Facebook Page in response to the English Communicative Aptitude Programme proposal:
In light of recent events, SDM would like to emphasise that it has always been in favour of any measures which intend to enhance the level of education in Malta and lead to the development of better graduates across the board.
Having said that, following the number of students who have expressed their concern on the newly introduced English Communicative Aptitude Programme, SDM is concerned at the fact that students were not notified in ample time or consulted with throughout the past few months.
Had the University of Malta Administration made students aware of the ongoing discussions, and gave the University Student Council (KSU – Kunsill Studenti Universitarji) ample time to discuss the issue rather than sending the notification a few days before, the transition would have undoubtedly been much smoother. It is fundamental that such decisions, which are approved by the Senate as the ultimate decision-maker, are taken with a mindset which has considered the global impact which it will leave on the affected students.
This programme will not be applicable to anyone holding either:
- an English Language O’Level certificate at Grade 3 or better,
- an English Intermediate Level certificate at Grade C or better, or
- an English Advanced Level certificate at Grade C of better.
It is important to note that, as stated in KSU’s Statement issued yesterday, this clarification was brought about as a result of pressure made by KSU following an e-mail which was sent to the affected students by the Administration which misinformed students about the situation. We are satisfied however that KSU, playing the role of the only stakeholder which has Students’ interests at heart, managed to obtain the necessary clarifications for the affected students with respect to applicability of the programme. Consequently, we find ourselves irritated by the statements made by certain organisations and media portals which have aimed to undermine the role that KSU have played to rectify the matter.
Ultimately, we would like to remind students that this credit will be extra to the ones which are already enrolled in, which means that it will not replace any existing credits. Apart from this, it was confirmed that the programme will not in any way hinder the average mark of the final classification. Our position on this matter will continue to be in support of KSU — to continue pushing for the introduction of this programme at the beginning of the scholastic year with notification made in due course, and ensuring that students are kept in the loop during the consultation process of such important decisions.