Sixth Form

Introduction

In 2007 St Martin’s College inaugurated a modern, new Sixth Form in the belief that there was a niche for a high-quality College offering a pre-University education focused on intense teaching in small groups.

The Sixth Form is now a success story, with tailored guidance offered to students who are encouraged to choose a combination of subjects that best suits their personal abilities and ambitions. Individual attention is guaranteed as groups are kept small.

While the majority of students follow the MATSEC certification course which prepares students for entry to the University of Malta, as well as enabling them to apply for universities abroad, they are also allowed to select combinations of subjects depending on the institution of higher education they might be hoping to join. St Martin’s College is registered with UCAS, so that students may apply online to UK universities through the college. The progress of each application can then be monitored through its various stages.

Apart from the academic programme, students are encouraged to participate in a number of activities such as Public Speaking Academy, Debating Academy and EuroScola. These activities are an integral component of the St Martin’s College Sixth Form programme.

Why St Martin's College?

With a strong track-record at Junior/Middle and Senior school levels, St Martin’s College is the obvious choice for students who have been in the Independent Sector throughout their schooling. It is also an excellent choice for students who have been in the State/Church School Sector and who wish to experience the standards and innovative practices at St Martin’s College. Our greatest strength lies in the excellent quality of our staff and in the caring approach that ensures that the students at Sixth Form level will get individualised attention. The courses being proposed offer students a variety of subject combinations which will allow entry into practically all courses at the University of Malta. The English-speaking environment allows students to perfect their speaking and listening skills in this essential, global language.

Calendar/Contact Hours

The Sixth Form programme runs on a 3-term, 5-day week schedule. The programme starts in October and ends In June, with Christmas, Easter and mid-term holidays.

Each lecture is of 40 minutes duration. Students are expected to attend all lectures and activities that form part of their academic programme.

Dress Code

There is no uniform at Sixth Form level however, students are expected to come to College appropriately dressed.

Stipends

At St Martin’s College Sixth Form eligible students can apply for their Maintenance Grant (Stipend) in the same way as students attending other Sixth Forms.

Premises and Resources

The Sixth Form premises has been planned to offer a spacious and working environment for students and lecturers. The Sixth Form is very well resourced. There are computers with Internet access and projection facilities in the lecture rooms, common room, art rooms, library and computer rooms.

 

For further information about our Sixth Form kindly contact Anthony Abela, Senior Leader at Sixth Form, on 2134 5146 or email [email protected]

Prospective Students

Courses

The two-year programme will concentrate on the same educational principles that direct Chiswick House School and St Martin’s College. It is a vision that believes that a student can realise his/her full potential within a challenging, well-ordered and well-balanced educational setting. The established framework of real values, the structure that aims at ensuring the acquisition of basic skills within an exciting and vibrant programme , as well as the broad-based, holistic curriculum translate into high academic achievement. At Sixth Form level this will also mean that students are expected to THINK! Various combinations of subjects at Advanced and Intermediate level are on offer. The combinations are worked out in such a way as to satisfy the requirements for entry into the University of Malta, MCAST and other international Universities. We make no restriction on the combinations of subjects we offer. There may be a few occasions when it may not be possible to accommodate a student’s requested combination or when too few students have requested a course to make it viable.

A Full Programme consists of:

  • The Malta Matriculation Certificate course (2 subjects at Advanced level and 4 subjects at Intermediate level).

or

  • 3 subjects at Advanced level and 1 subject at Intermediate level.

Other combinations offered include:

  •  2 Advanced level subjects and 2 Intermediate level subjects (usually chosen as entry requirements for degree courses at MCAST). Cost is less than that of the Full Programme.

or

  •  3 Advanced level subjects and 3 Intermediate level subjects (usually chosen by students who wish to study the Malta Matriculation Certificate course and upgrade 1 Intermediate level subject to Advanced level). Cost is more than that of the Full Programme.

International students are asked to sit for a placement test in English. Should their level of English not be at the required standard, they can opt for a one-year Full Immersion Course in English as a Foreign Language (Base Year), before they progress to the two-year Sixth Form programme. Further information can be found below.

Base Year

This exclusive one-year course welcomes learners to follow an English as a Foreign language (EFL) course before embarking on the two-year Malta Matriculation Certificate programme. Throughout the academic year, learners will be exposed to a holistic approach to learning, with particular emphasis on the four language skills: speaking, writing, listening and reading.  By the end of the course learners would have gained the necessary skills to enable them to proceed to the Malta Matriculation Certificate programme at St Martin’s College Sixth Form. Individual attention is guaranteed. Lessons take place in bright, fully equipped classrooms.

The course is spread over two semesters. During the first semester, learners follow a general English programme covering the four language skills. Lessons are based on a set textbook, as well as supplementary resources. Throughout the second semester, learners are prepared and encouraged to sit for the IELTS examination.  Furthermore, lessons incorporate an element of literature in preparation for the Malta Matriculation Certificate course.  Learners are exposed to short stories and trained to attempt literary analysis.

Some of the learning outcomes for this course are:

  • To demonstrate understanding of face-to-face conversations
  • To communicate successfully in English
  • To apply a number of writing strategies in order to develop coherent paragraphs
  • To follow a number of text styles and be able to answer a wide range of questions
  • To prepare and present a 3-minute presentation
  • To analyse themes, plot and characterisation

Apart from learning English, Base Year students also have lessons in Mathematics and are able to join lessons in a number of other subjects at Intermediate level.

Advanced Level Subjects

• Accounting
• Art
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing

• Economics
• English
• French
• Geography
• Graphical Communication

• History
• Information Technology
• Italian
• Maltese
• Marketing

• Philosophy
• Physics
• Pure Mathematics
• Sociology
• Spanish

Intermediate Level Subjects

• Accounting
• Art
• Biology
• Computing
• Economics
• Engineering Drawing
• English

• Environmental Science
• French
• Geography
• German
• History
• Information Technology

• Italian
• Maltese
• Marketing
• Philosophy
• Physical Education
• Physics

• Psychology
• Pure Mathematics
• Spanish
• Sociology
• Systems of Knowledge* (compulsory for the Matriculation Certificate)

Application to International Universities

St Martin’s College Sixth Form is a UCAS registered school. Advisory services are available to assist the students with the completion of the online UCAS application including advice on how to choose the best courses as well as tips on how to write a successful personal statement. Every year our students submit a number of UCAS applications and receive offers from different UK universities. Students are also assisted with applications for international universities in other countries.

For further information contact the College’s careers advisor, Ms Eleanor Abela on [email protected]

Admissions

Requirements

To follow the full programme of studies applicants should be in possession of at least six passes at SEC or Edexcel/London Ordinary level or equivalent. Students who are not in possession of 6 passes may opt for a partial programme.

In order to apply for a subject at Advanced Level it is strongly advisable to have obtained a minimum of Grade 3/B at Ordinary level, while a Grade 5/C is necessary to follow a subject at Intermediate level. An Ordinary level pass is not required for Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Marketing and Environmental Science.

Registration for Admission

Applicants must submit their preferred choice of subjects. Every effort will be made to offer the subjects chosen. However, should the College choose not to offer any of the subjects in that preference, the closest combination of subjects will be offered. Applicants are offered career guidance by the College.

Applications will be considered subject to availability.

Students wishing to continue their studies at the University of Malta must consider special entry requirements stipulated by specific courses and follow the Matsec Certificate Course. Students wishing to study in the UK may opt for a 3 Advanced level, 1 Intermediate level programme.

Documents Required on Registration

  • A copy of both sides of the student’s and parents’ ID Cards
  • A copy of the School Leaving Certificate
  • A copy of the SEC and/or O’ level results
  • A copy of the student’s birth certificate
  • A passport size photo
  • Immunisation records

For further information about our Sixth Form kindly contact Anthony Abela, Senior Leader at Sixth Form, on 2134 5146 or email [email protected]

Useful Links

Educational

Matsec Examination Board

The Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate (MATSEC) Examinations Board was entrusted with the setting of examinations at Ordinary and Advanced level.

University of Malta

The official website of the University of Malta.

MCAST

Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology

UCAS

A web-based tool which will help you to apply for higher education in the UK.

Unistats

Unistats is the official website to help you make an informed choice when deciding which UK university or college to apply to.

Which? University

An independent source of information and advice to help you find the right degree course and university.

Living in Malta

Government of Malta
The Government of Malta official electronic portal.

Malta in 360
A showcase of 360 interactive panoramas of the Maltese Islands.

Weather in the Maltese Islands
Accurate weather forecasts for Malta.

About Malta
The online guide to everything about Malta and the Maltese Islands.

AQA

AQA examination board.

Edexcel

Edexcel examination board.

Student Advisory Services at the University of Malta

Provides prospective and current students at the University of Malta with the necessary information and advice in order to make informed choices.

EC

Study English in London, Brighton, Cambridge, Oxford, Malta, Boston, New York, Cape Town or San Diego with EC English Language School’s courses.

Coursefindr

Featuring destination guides and degree guides to help students decide what and where to study, as well as provide student advice articles to help with those all important FAQ’s.

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