Democratic party supports eased University entry requirements for students with learning difficulties

The Democratic party (PD) is in favour of adapting entry requirements for the University of Malta when it comes to students with learning difficulties.

In a statement, PD expressed its support for education minister Evarist Bartolo's statement that in certain cases, and where the subject is not relevant to the field of study followed, Maths and Maltese at 'O' level should not be an absolute requirement for entry to university.

Bartolo made his comments following calls from a number of academics and stakeholders to remove obstacles impeding the education path of students with learning difficulties.

“Language studies of any type are particularly difficult for people with Autism or Aspergers syndrome, people who are often extremely intelligent in other fields. Likewise the barrier of Maths may deny someone gifted in the arts from following up on their studies,” PD said.

The centre-left party called for the education system to became more flexible and to distance itself from the one-size-fits-all education policy, which has recently drawn criticism from the education minister on several occasions.

“Society is made up of diverse people and it is this diversity that enriches it. We should encourage it not suppress it.”