Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/874823
13 maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 SEPTEMBER 2017 MIRIAM DALLI THE University of Malta's exami- nations board has rejected allega- tions of lack of cooperation with national athletes, who were unable to sit for an exam with other stu- dents due to their sporting com- mitments. National waterpolo team coach Karl Izzo has accused the educa- tion authorities of lack of coopera- tion ahead of the European Junior Water Polo Championship, which this year was held in Malta. The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) wanted the team's training sessions to take place in Hungary. But three of their players were due to have 'O' and 'A' level resits in September, clashing with the dates of the training camp. ASA said the training camp could only be organised during that week because the players "had been very busy participating with their clubs in the local age group competitions". ASA requested that the three students sit for their exams in Bu- dapest, so as to allow the training camp to go ahead with its plans. But the ASA's request was reject- ed, on the basis that "such requests should be endorsed by the Malta Sports Council". In an email seen by this newspa- per, the board said it would give candidates the opportunity to sit for the exam abroad "on the same day and time that the examination is being held in Malta if s/he is rep- resenting the country in an official event. In view of this, MATSEC cannot accede to this particular a request since it is being done for a training camp' and not for an of- ficial event." Contacted by MaltaToday, the MATSEC board insisted that it always makes an effort to meet all requests that fall under the agreed policy. "However, it may not al- ways be possible to accommodate all requests," the University of Malta's communications director, Pierre Cassar said. By way of example, Cassar said there have been cases where re- quests had to be rejected because foreign personnel were not willing to supervise the exam when the day happened to be a public holi- day in their country. Besides using embassies and con- sulates, MATSEC's support unit has arrangements with universi- ties and other schools to supervise exams for candidates with sport- ing commitments abroad. "These arrangements involve finding suit- able venues and reliable personnel who can carry out the task on the scheduled date and time, sending out the exam papers and scripts, supervising the exam and return- ing the scripts," Cassar said. Recent arrangements were made for footballers, waterpolo and swimming athletes as well as gymnasts in Lugano, Luxembourg, Chalkida, Gibraltar, Odense, Mal- lorca, and San Marino. "The Lu- gano, Odense and San Marino – as recently as the MATSEC 2017 ses- sion – benefitted ASA athletes," Cassar added. He also said that scheduling an examination for another date means that new examination pa- pers have to be set: "This task is not as simple as may be presumed. It raises questions about the com- parability of results. For the May examinations, paper setters are appointed in November and given until March of the next year to produce the papers, which still need to be reviewed by independ- ent examiners and vetted by MAT- SEC officials before printing." Cassar however encouraged stakeholders to engage in talks "so that athletes flag such needs early enough for us to try and find a solution, especially since interna- tional tournaments are usually set well ahead." Parliamentary secretary for sports Clifton Grima said he had personally contacted Izzo to take full stock of the situation. "The government remains open for wide discussions with all relative stakeholders about what type of more support can be offered, to what extent and in what ways," a spokesperson said. MCAST Applications Where to Apply? Info meeting When to Apply? Further Information. Applications oces are open from 8.30hrs to 12.00hrs Malta The Student's House Tuesday 26th September, 18.00 hrs at the Business Conference Room, MCAST Main Campus Paola. Meet Aviation Industry stakeholders, your potential future employer. MCAST Main Campus Paola Dates 25th September – 29th September Our career advisers will be available (without appointment), from Monday to Friday, between 08:30 and 13:30, at the Students' House, MCAST Main Campus, Paola to answer your questions and oŠer personal career guidance. Contact: fb.com/MCASTmt Email: career.guidance@mcast.edu.mt Call: 2398 7135 2398 7136 2398 7310 Gozo MCAST Gozo Campus JF De Chambray Street Għajnsielem Further Information. Contact: fb.com/MCASTmt Email: career.guidance@mcast.edu.mt Call: 2398 7135 2398 7136 2398 7310 FLY HIGH Become an Aircraft Technician Receipt of applications will be extended till Wednesday 4th October if MATSEC resit results are published after 25th September. Applicants who wish to apply for courses held in Malta, and who during the days of Receipt of Applications are residing in Gozo, may submit their application at the MCAST Gozo Campus, Għajnsielem. Applicants may ask another person to present their application as long as the application is signed by the applicant and all the necessary documents are attached to the application. The person presenting an application in the name of another person must also present his/her ID card. Applications without all the necessary documents will not be accepted. Application Form A is to be filled in by those applicants who were not students at MCAST in academic year 2016/17 and by those who wish to restart a course. Applicants applying under the Maturity Clause must also present an Employment History Record for any work experience claimed together with a motivation letter. All applicants must fill in the ožcial Application Form A (in triplicate) and submit it together with the original ID Card (+ photocopies from both sides), original Certificates/result slips (and photocopies), School Leaving Certificate (or Secondary School Certificate and Profile (SSC&P)) (and photocopy). CALL FOR FULL-TIME ENHANCING LITERACY THROUGH SPORT RESOURCE LEADERS WITHIN THE NATIONAL LITERACY AGENCY Jobsplus: 438/2017 The National Literacy Agency, within the Ministry for Education and Employment, is seeking to recruit Enhancing Lliteracy through Sport Resource Leaders to work within state schools. The eligibility criteria for this post are: • • Any coaching qualification by a registered sport organisation recognised by Sport Malta; • At least 5 years coaching experience in one or more of the following sports: football, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and netball. Other sports will also be considered also. •• At least 10 years experience as an athlete in one or more of the following sports: football, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and netball. Other sports will also be considered also. • MATSEC or 'O' Levels (Grades 1 to 5) certificates in Maltese, English and Maths and another subject, preferably a science subject, or equivalent. • Competency in IT applications at ECDL level especially Word and email, or equivalent. •• A good command of the English and Maltese languages. • A First Aid certificate course. Candidates who do not possess this certificate will also be considered but they will have to undertake a First Aid course within one year of engagement. Candidates Candidates should submit a letter of application, together with a summary of qualifications and experience in a European Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a recent Police certificate of conduct, by email to john.b.farrugia@gov.mt or by post to Mr John Farrugia, Executive Secretary, National Curriculum Centre, Joseph Abela Scolaro Street, Hamrun, HMR 1304, by not later than Friday 22nd September 2017. Applications Applications by post should be sent by registered mail, allowing for sufficient time to ensure delivery by the above deadline. Applications will be acknowledged in writing within seven days. Late applications will not be considered. Further information may be obtained from Mr John Farrugia on 2598 2997 or via email at john.b.farrugia@gov.mt MATSEC refutes accusation of lack of cooperation with athletes When MATSEC exams can be held abroad • Representing Malta as part of the national team in an official sporting event approved by SportMalta; • Receiving treatment in a hospital abroad or accompanying a member of the immediate family receiving the treatment; • Living abroad with a parent/parents/guardian who is representing Malta in an embassy / consulate or the European Commission; • Living abroad and wishing to sit for the SEC Maltese examination; • Other humanitarian cases