The bi-annual O and A level exams will be taking place ‘as scheduled’ in June and July, despite schools shifting completely online until mid-April due to the high spike of COVID-19 cases.
The online shift for school was made on Monday after the country was put on a semi-lockdown following record-breaking highs in the past few weeks.
A spokesperson for the MATSEC board shared, ‘Preparations are currently underway so that candidates sit for their examinations as scheduled in June and July with similar arrangements to those in place last September which enabled MATSEC to successfully hold the Advanced and Intermediate Levels.’
Last year, exams were pushed to September as schools were closed for most of the scholastic year due to the ongoing pandemic. Exam candidates wore masks and observed social distancing.
‘MATSEC is closely monitoring the situation considering that the current restrictions are in place until April 11. MATSEC wishes to reiterate its commitment to holding examination sessions whilst observing all directions given by the Public Health authorities’.
Elsewhere, Education Minister Justyne Caruana confirmed that Junior College will be cancelling exams and first-years will be promoted based on assessments. However, Gozo sixth form students will still be sitting for their annual exams.
As for secondary students, talks are still ongoing about their annual exams whilst over at UOM, faculties can opt for online exams or on-campus exams.
