Upper Secondary Education

Upper secondary education (also known as Sixth Form) can be followed at the pre-university Junior College that is administered by the University of Malta and other upper secondary institutions administered by the church or independent organisations.

The Junior College

The major institution providing upper secondary education is the Junior College. It offers a two-year course specifically designed for future University students who are prepared for the MATSEC Certificate in accordance with the University's General Entry Requirements. Students may choose from a wide range of subjects and must take two subjects at Advanced Level, three at Intermediate Level, as well as Systems of Knowledge. Subjects chosen should also include any Special Course Requirements needed for their prospective University course. While providing formal instruction, the College encourages students to develop their own initiative through guided self-teaching in preparation for their future University career.

All Maltese full time upper secondary students are entitled to a monthly grant. State and Church Institutions are state funded. However Independent upper secondary institutions charge tuition fees.

Teachers at this level are called lecturers and assistant lecturers. Lecturers must be in possession of a qualification at doctorate level. Assistant lecturers are qualified at masters level. Teachers are allocated by subject and level.

Junior College, Guidance and Counselling Services

Students at the Junior College are offered the services of qualified counsellors in three main areas:

a) Personal Counselling to help students find their own way to manage their difficulties and problems and to find out who they really are or want to be. Day seminars are held to help students to get to know each other, develop a positive self-image and learn to form, keep, and sometimes end, relationships.

b) Educational Guidance and Counselling to help students choose the course of studies that will lead them to decide what they want to do in life. During this course, through seminars and individual counselling, students are helped to improve their study habits, prepare themselves for exams, and manage time and stress.

c) Vocational Guidance to help students orientate themselves to a future career by means of vocational interest questionnaires; orientation talks by specialised guest speakers, and visits to various places of work.

Vocational Upper Secondary Education

A. MCAST - Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is the main provider of all post-compulsory, post-16 vocational education and training in Malta and Gozo except for tourism studies and health care. Its mission is to provide universally accessible vocational and professional education and training with an international dimension, responsive to the need of the individual and the economy.

The Institutes that make up the College are the following:

1. Institute of Art and Design

2. Community Services Institute

3. Maritime Institute

4. Institute of Information and Communications Technology

5. Institute of Mechanical Engineering

6. Agribusiness Institute

7. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

8. Institute of Business and Commerce

9. Institute of Building and Construction Engineering

Each institute offers a variety of courses related to its area of study. The majority of programmes offered by the institutes are either attended by students on full-time basis, or by apprentices, who combine College-based activities with work experience with an appropriate employer (sponsor). Programmes are offered at all levels from pre-foundation (entry level 0) to Higher National Diploma (level 4). Each Institute has a variety of courses for all entry-level requirements in order to provide a progression route for those who would not otherwise be able to continue with their studies. The Foundation courses, which are at Level 1, provide a progression route into the higher level certificate and diploma courses. Between them the nine Institutes cover most of the vocational areas. Courses vary in duration according to the level and whether it is part of the apprenticeship scheme. Courses lead to appropriate certification either College-based or through an external examination body. The full array of assessment methods is used including written examinations, course work and portfolios. Achievement at one level can lead to progression to a higher level programme.

The College also offers a programme of part-time evening and day courses throughout the year for adults who are in employment and/or who would like to update their skills. The College year extends from September until the middle of July and is made up of three terms.

Student Support

In addition to providing tuition for vocational training, support is also given to those students who have a low level of general education and basic skills, through the Basic Skills Unit of the Learning Support Centre. Students who have learning difficulties or disabilities are helped through the Inclusive Education Unit. This unit provides support to students who require additional help while studying on qualification courses. It also helps students with mild learning disabilities through its Pathway to Independent Living course. The Learning Support Centre runs Pre-foundation courses for students whose level of general skills in below entry level. The centre also offers a wide variety of part-time day and evening course for adults.

Guidance and Counselling

The College has an Information and Support Service that provides information about courses offered at the different Institutes of MCAST on a full-time or part-time basis.

A service of guidance and counselling is also offered to potential students especially those in their last year in compulsory education. Students who are still undecided or uncertain as to which route of vocational study they would like to pursue are encouraged to ask for the assistance of a Counsellor before they enroll for a course. MCAST students who would like help with personal difficulties or problems are encouraged to use the Counselling service of the College.

B. ITS - Institute of Tourism Studies

The Institute of Tourism Studies prepares students for the hospitality and tourism industry. The hospitality and tourism industry provides work placements for students. One of the current programmes of study (Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management) enables graduates to join a degree course in tourism offered by the University of Malta. Foreign universities and Hotel Schools accredit programmes of study organised by the institute. The Institute is also accredited by the Hotel and Catering International Management Association. The courses offered at the institute range from operational to managerial levels.

The Institute of Tourism Studies offers guidance and counselling services to all its students. Besides having its own counsellors who offer personal counselling to students seeking this service, there are also course tutors /industrial mentors who support the students in their vocational and career choices. These tutors/mentors support the students throughout their stay at the institute including the Local Industrial Trade Practice and the Overseas Internships which form an integral component of the programmes of studies at the Institute of Tourism Studies.

C. Institute of Health Care (see Institute of Health Care IHC)

Apprenticeship Training, Initial Vocational Training

Students following technical/vocational upper secondary education are eligible to enroll in apprenticeship schemes. These schemes are the Technician Apprenticeship Scheme (TAS) and the Extended Skills Training Scheme (ESTS).

The organisation responsible for work placements and follow up is the Employment Training Corporation (ETC) which falls under the Ministry of Education. Vocational courses are linked with industry through the two training schemes available (TAS and ESTS). The ETC offers a wide range of training opportunities for persons willing to learn a trade or skill and thus improve their chances of finding and retaining full time employment.