Most Matsec students do not think SOK should be compulsory
Feedback given by MATSEC exam candidates shows that the majority of students do not agree that Systems of Knowledge should be compulsory.
MATSEC gives all its candidates the opportunity to participate in a post-examination survey by means of an e-mail. There were 1,549 respondents.
It found that, despite the abovementioned issue, most respondents agree with the structure of the Matriculation Certificate. MATSEC said most students “agreed that importance should be given to subjects from different areas but disagreeing with the compulsory nature of IM Systems of Knowledge. Older candidates were more likely to see value in Systems of Knowledge. Most respondents also suggested that one should be required to obtain a passing grade in all these six subjects.”
It also said that feedback about examination centres and invigilation was mostly positive, although it is the one area with most indicated room for improvement. “MATSEC has taken several measures, following per cent are not compliant because they are “financially out of reach.”
Debattista emphasised that decreasing prices of medicines will hopefully increase the compliancy locally.
The largest decrease in price is with Malarone tablets (150mg/100mg x12), which are commonly used amongst travelers travelling to countries where the feedback in 2016, which has ensured that instructions are read to candidates before every examination and that malpractice (centres, staff, and candidates) is more easily reported. This year, however, more respondents complained about noise levels and traffic congestions.”
Although most candidates (79.3%) were uninformed that malaria is present, now cost €19.84, a reduction of €24.84 from their old price, which was €44.82.
The prices of Solpadol (30mg/500mg tablets x100) and Seroxat (20mg tablets x30), used to treat severe pain and depression/anxiety respectively, were reduced by 50 per cent, whilst the price of Magvit B6 tablets (x30) were reduced by 48%.
Other reductions which have MATSEC had published a new candidates’ guidebook, those who did use the guidebook reported it to be positive.
As from the coming exam session, information about access to the guidebook will also be given with the exam timetable.
Most respondents (81.7%) seeking help from MATSEC reported it to be helpful.
Similar to 2016, although most been reduced however not to such a great extent as those listed above, are MagVit B6 tablets (x50), Alendronic Acid Arrow (70mg tablets x4), Dulcolax 10mg (x12) and Duphaston 10mg (x42). In-Vitro fertilization therapy medical products; Bemfola 450, Befola 300, Bemfola 150, Bemfola 75, Bemfola 225 also had their prices reduced between 11% and 7%. respondents (73.8%) did not need to seek help from MATSEC, those who did were satisfied with the response (81.7%). This marks a small increase from the 80.4% reported in the 2016 study. The only group of respondents which was not satisfied with the response was the group which used non-MATSEC official means (e.g. student organisations, school counsellors, petitions).
MATSEC also found that most survey respondents would prefer aural examinations to be conducted using live speakers. “Following the implementation of recorded audio for SEC Arabic, German, and Spanish, this year the same practice was extended to the foreign language subjects at SEC level with the largest number of registrations: Italian and French.
“Respondents, including those who did not sit for SEC examinations this year, reported audio problems as a reason why aural examinations should be conducted using live speakers. This suggests that respondents’ views were influenced by media reports about lack of audibility during one of the examinations. Others think that using a live speaker would allow candidates with unfair advantages, such as resorting to lip reading or asking the examiner to reduce his/her rate or change his/her accent. Recorded audio, on the other hand, provides equal conditions to all candidates.”
Most respondents also believe that the provided Examination