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7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 10 NOVEMBER 2019 JAMES DEBONO EXAMINERS assessing the performance of candidates sit- ting for the Systems of Knowl- edge examination – a manda- tory course in general culture taught at post-secondary level – have expressed concern that many candidates only offer a superficial knowledge of the subject, and that often "candi- dates memorise generic essays that they reproduce without acknowledgment of the ques- tion in the exam." Systems of Knowledge is a compulsory subject for entry to university and is intended to serve as a stimulus for criti- cal thinking, covering impor- tant themes like citizenship and democratic values, cul- ture and arts, sustainable de- velopment and technology. In July, Malta's matricula- tion exams board (Matsec) announced its intention to restructure the Systems of Knowledge course to better reflect "21st century skills". The reform will replace the compulsory 'project' compo- nent of the course with class discussions and debates, and focus more on critical think- ing, leadership and other im- portant skills. But in their report on the 2019 exam, examiners found severe shortcomings, noting that many of the answers pro- vided "do not follow a logical or structured sequence", at times resulting in disjointed arguments that had no link to the question being asked. Many of the answers pro- vided were relatively short for adequately explaining, elabo- rating, and discussing the concepts required by the essay questions. "Although, there is the tendency that lengthier writing diverts from the focus of the sought answer, over- all, lengthier essays were also more elaborate and detailed in terms of response." In their observations on an- swers to specific questions included in the exam, the re- port highlighted the lack of in-depth analysis. For exam- ple, when asked about the role of NGOs, few candidates pre- sented an in-depth analysis of "the important and vital role played by NGOs in a democ- racy, by referring to plural- ism and diversity of views and opinion". Whilst most candidates highlighted the role of NGOs for safeguarding the natural environment and protect- ing vulnerable groups, not enough attention was given to highlight the relevance of NGOs for democratic rule, in terms of awareness-raising and advocacy work, and their role as pressure groups and agents for policy and social change. Moreover, some candidates failed to mention valid exam- ples of NGOs, instead refer- ring to private companies or government funded entities or initiatives such as Elon Musk's Space X space travel- ling initiative, the L-Istrina charity spectacular, and gov- ernment social welfare agen- cies Sedqa and Appogg. "This omission is particularly worri- some in terms of application of knowledge, particularly in view of the fact that as part of their Systems of Knowledge project, students are expected to carry out voluntary work experience with an NGO." Moreover, no candidate made any reference to the Voluntary Organisations Act, and any of its provisions or structures such as the Coun- cil for the Voluntary Sector or the Commissioner for NGOs. When asked about human rights, very few candidates made any reference to supra- national institutions like the European Court of Justice or the International Courts of Justice, or to human rights or- ganisations such as Amnesty International. And a fair number of candi- dates were not familiar with the religious and the political context of the artistic periods they chose. The responses did not connect the purpose of the art in the context of their particular times – what actu- ally gave rise to the style. When asked to discuss how the marine environment can be conserved and sustainably used, most students made a reference to some threats faced by the marine environ- ment, but failed to address ways how these dangers can be mitigated or avoided. A total number of 1,965 candidates registered for the exam in 2019 of which 99 did not even turn up. Only 85 can- didates were given an A grade while 45% were given a D, E or F grade. jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt NEWS An excellent opportunity has arisen for a catering company to take over the catering concession at a large complex with indoor and outdoor amenities and housing a conference facility for small to medium sized meetings and presentations. Our client operates 7 days a week and provides an opportunity for an experienced catering provider to optimise these facilities for maximum benefit. At this stage, interested parties should submit a letter of interest together with a company or personal profile listing their experience in catering and facility management. Kindly send your LOI addressed to a.warrington@media-consulta.com.mt or by post to: Media Consulta Malta Ltd. Media Consulta House 150, Psaila Street, Birkirkara BKR 9077 T. 2206 0100 LOIs should reach our offices by not later than 24th November 2019 EXPRESSION of INTEREST Examiners' report reveals shallow understanding of role of NGOs in Maltese democracy, with some mistaking charity spectacular L-Istrina as an example of what an NGO is 'Generic' essays reveal lack of critical thought in Systems exam