State to give revision classes in bid to cut early school-leavers by half

The government has launched an extension of its ‘youth guarantee’ to provide revision classes for students who fail their secondary education certificate O-levels, in a bid to reduce early school-leavers.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo announced that revision classes will be provided to students who fail SEC examinations or fail to make it to another level at MCAST.

Students will be invited individually in the coming weeks. Revision classes will be provided for core subjects, namely Maltese, Mathematics, English and Physics. 

Around 80% of students continue their studies after secondary level, but this rate drops by a substantial 30% within two years. 

“Compared to other EU countries our youths spend fewer years in school. It is worrying that we have youths who leave compulsory education without acquiring the necessary skills expected from them after thirteen years of education. It is likely that early school leavers remain stuck with the same job due to their low skill base,” Bartolo said. 

He said that his government aimed to reduce early school leavers by half in six years time, from the actual estimate of 20% to 10%.

The government's priority is to persuade young people to continue pursuing their studies, by creating a separate programme from the revision classes to encourage those who decided not to sit for exams in the first place. This alternative learning programme will seek to develop skills in ICT, social media, entrepreneurship and problem-solving among others. 

Bartolo added that another strategy would be to design a vocation track in secondary schools for students who learn by doing.

“Our priority is not job creation since we are doing fine in that aspect. It’s about raising competences, ensuring that our youths have the necessary skills. This is the way forward,” Bartolo said. 

Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds Ian Borg said the €2 million project funded by the European Social Fund (2007-2013) was only part of a holistic approach in the sector. 

“We believe in education which promotes innovation and encourages creativity,” Borg said.