Dear Parents, Colleagues
Most of our pupils are immersed in their exams now; thankfully the revision (for them and probably for you...) is nearly over. Best of luck to them all!
1. Towards the end of January Dr Kevin Gatt from Gatt and Partners, presented the results of the annual, independent, academic benchmarking exercise. He called our SEC results of last year ‘outstanding' and ‘fantastic', and indeed they were.
I can confirm that we beat the national average pass rate in 17 out of 18 subjects, in nearly all cases by 10%, 20%, 30% and even more - in English we managed to beat the national average by a whopping 39%.
In Maltese we comfortably beat the national average as well, and a record 68% of students passed - a very decent result in the circumstances but one that we are committed to improving. There was also a record number of students achieving the minimum entry qualifications for Junior College and similar.
Our performance was also excellent as compared to previous years, and we improved our score on last year in 13 subjects, declining in only four.
For the first time there was also presentation of our ‘A' Level results, where the excellent start of our Sixth Form was confirmed, with a 100% pass rate in no fewer than 17 subjects, and a 94% pass rate in Systems of Knowledge. Results in Chemistry and Biology were disappointing, but changes have been made that will ensure that our high standards will be met in future sessions.
A big ‘Well Done' to our pupils and teachers, and to the parents who give such essential support.
We've always said that our focus on a holistic education would actually lead to better academic results, and this forward looking approach is bearing fruit. We are looking carefully at the results and will continue to focus our work where it is most needed.
2. As you may know there have recently been repeated calls for blood donations. One of our teachers at SMC, Mr David Aloisio, together with our Head of Operations, Mr Nello Calleja, is coordinating an SMC Blood Donation Drive. We have invited the Mobile Blood Donation unit to SMC on 4 March and would strongly urge any parents or teachers who are interested to come and donate blood on that day.
If you feel you might be ready to donate please send an email to Ms Lina Chircop (linachircop@smc.edu.mt), and if possible say roughly what part of the morning (any hour between 0800 and 1300) you would be able to call. She'll then pass on to you certain instructions and eligibility criteria from the Blood Donation Unit. Many thanks
Best wishes to you all,
Patrick Tabone