Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1082991
7 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 FEBRUARY 2019 JAMES DEBONO OVER one-tenth (11%) of candidates sitting for their O- levels in 2018 requested access arrangements to enable them to take their exams at par with other candidates. These arrangements consist- ed of extra time, rest periods, modified papers, larger print, provision of amanuenses, com- municators and readers, as well as special instructions to examiners of oral components, invigilators and paper markers. Such arrangements depend on the condition of the student involved. This was the highest percent- age ever recorded by Matsec, the body responsible for the matriculation exams, with the percentage rising from a paltry 1.6% in 2004 to 11% in 2018. While 14% of all boys sitting for exams requested extra ar- rangement, the percentage falls to 8% among girls. 2018 also saw a sharp increase in candidates hailing from independent schools who re- quested exam access arrange- ments. 17.4% of candidates from this sector qualified for access arrangements in 2018, compared to 10.6% in 2017. 363 of the 564 applications for access arrangements in 2018 suffered from a 'Specific Learning Difficulty' which in- cludes dyslexia and ADHD. Other conditions requiring access arrangements included autism and Asperger's syn- drome (44), attention deficit disorders (53), dyspraxia (42), hearing impairment (13), vis- ual impairments (5) physical injuries (6), mobility problems (2), other medical conditions (18) and stammering (2). Applications by candidates with special needs are pro- cessed by the ACCESS Disabil- ity Support Committee of the University of Malta, which de- cides on appropriate arrange- ments "so that these candidates are enabled to take the exami- nations while being, as much as possible, on par with other candidates". Statistics show that dyslexic candidates have fared sub- s t a n t i a l l y better in E n g l i s h than in Maltese. Of the 324 dys- lexic can- d i d a t e s s i t t i n g for the English exam, 40% obtained a grade higher than five, while 67% earned a grade higher than 7. Of the 302 dyslexic candi- dates sitting for Maltese only 25% obtained a grade higher than 5 while 55% obtained a grade higher than 7. The largest numbers of regis- trations of dyslexic candidates were for English Language (324), Mathematics (302), Mal- tese (302), Religious Knowl- edge (222) and Physics (192). Over 80% of dyslexic candi- dates obtained a pass mark in Computing, German, Graphi- cal Communication and Home Economics. More than a fifth of candi- dates sitting for exams in Ag- ribusiness, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, Information Technology, Design and Tech- nology, Home Economics, and Art registered for access ar- rangements. Together we thrive *The Annual Percentage Rate of Charge (APRC) on a Personal Loan of €10,000, repayable over 7 years at a fixed borrowing rate of 4.99% per annum, and subject to a processing fee of €40, will be 5.3%. The loan will be repayable in 83 equal monthly instalments of €141.63 and one final instalment of €142.96. The total amount paid after 7 years will be €11,938.25. The maximum amount you may borrow is subject to your financial status, and to further approval by your branch. 7 year repayment period applicable to all loans of €10,000 and over. All other loans repayable over a maximum period of 5 years. Terms and conditions may apply. Approved and issued by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c., 116, Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT1444 which is a Tied Insurance Intermediary for HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Ltd under the Insurance Distribution Act 2006 and is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority. (Ref No. 104868-12/2018) When you know it's the one, go with it 5.3% APRC* HSBC Personal Loans, ready for your every unexpected. Up to 7 years' repayment Funds transferred same day Full amount finance 4.99% Interest rate More students requesting special O-level exam conditions Percentage rises to 14% among boys and to 17% among students hailing from independent schools