Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1467738
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MAY 2022 NEWS Students with exam assistance for ADHD, dyslexia reaches all-time high JAMES DEBONO MALE students were twice as likely as females to request 'examination access arrange- ments' (EEAs) when sitting for their O-levels, and chiefly, stu- dents hailing from private in- dependent schools, a statistical report by MATSEC reveals. In 2021, 679 candidates were given EAAs, which is equivalent to 13.5% of all registrations. But while 18.4% of male students requested these arrangements, only 9.3% of female candidates register for EAAs. The difference between the sexes is explained by research showing that boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Applications by candidates with special needs are processed by the ACCESS-Disability Sup- port Committee of the Univer- sity of Malta that suggests ap- propriate arrangements so that these candidates are enabled to take the examinations while be- ing, as much as possible, on par with other candidates. EAAs come in various forms according to the condition of the student and include extra time, rest periods, modified pa- pers, large print, provision of amanuenses, communicators and readers, as well as special instructions to examiners of oral components, invigilators and markers. These arrange- ments have made it possible for a larger number of students to continue their education. A large number of those ap- plying for these arrangements suffer from conditions like ADHD, dyslexia and autism. In fact in 2021, 257 of students requesting EEAs suffered from specific learning difficulties re- lated to dyslexia while 191 suf- fered from specific learning dif- ficulties related to ADHD. The percentage of candidates registering for access arrange- ment has now shot up from just 1.6% of all candidates in 2004 to 6.8% in 2012 to 13.5% in 2021. Educators consider EEAs as essential in giving equal oppor- tunities to everyone irrespective of the difficulties they face. The largest number of applica- tions for EAA were made by stu- dents from private independent schools. While less then 15% of students from state schools re- quested EAAs, 19% of students from independent schools re- quested these arrangements, a statistics showing more stu- dents suffering such conditions in private schools will be likely to sit for exams. While in sessions prior to 2018 candidates from Gozo schools were more likely to qualify for EAAs, this trend was not re- peated from 2018 onwards. A large segment of candidates registering for EEAs were sit- ting for vocational subjects: 250 of the 976 candidates (25.6%) registering for one or more SEC vocational subjects ap- plied for EAAs, namely Agri- business (42.9%), Engineering Technology (32.5%), Hospital- ity (26.6%), Information Tech- nology (23.6%), Media Literacy (22.7%) and Health and Social Care (20.8%). jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt CALL FOR APPLICATIONS If you would like to serve and represent Malta around the world, a personally rewarding career is waiting for you. The Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade is currently accepting applications for the Post of Second Secretary. This post enables you to join the Maltese diplomatic service, embarking on a career that provides you with the opportunity to serve at one of Malta's Diplomatic Missions around the globe. If you are interested in current affairs and in making a difference, do not miss this opportunity. Applications will be accepted till Friday 27th May 2022 (17:15 CET). For further information kindly access the following link: https://foreign.gov.mt Closing date for applications Friday 27th May 2022 till 17:15 CET www.foreign.gov.mt GOVERNMENT OF MALTA MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AND EUROPEAN AFFAIRS AND TRADE Boys twice as likely as girls to request O-level exam arrangements, with 19% hailing from independent schools, in contrast with less than 14% from state schools EAAs as percentage of total candidates 2004 1.6% 2005 2.2% 2006 2.8% 2007 3.0% 2008 3.1% 2009 4% 2010 4.7% 2011 5.6% 2012 6.8% 2013 8.7% 2014 9.4% 2015 9.9% 2016 9.8% 2017 10% 2018 10.9% 2019 10.8% 2020 12.4% 2021 13.5%