YOUR GOZO SIXTH FORM
guide book 2014-2015
what’s inside
YOUR GOZO SIXTH FORM HAND BOOK
Foreword from Minister for Gozo Pulse - What we stand for
1. Your new experience Your lessons YOUR GOZO SIXTH FORM HAND BOOK Changing your subject and course Systems of Knowledge Contacting your teachers Opportunities
2. Getting to know your school School notices and updates The library and canteen Spirituality Contact details Map of School
This guide book is published exclusively by Pulse Malta and is not an official publication of the school. © Pulse Malta 2014
foreword BY HON. ANTON REFALO MINISTER FOR GOZO
Dear Student, As you’re on the doorstep of an exciting academic experience at the Gozo Sixth Form, it is my pleasure to be writing this introduction to a publication which will serve as your guide throughout your studies. The Ministry for Gozo sustains the increase in the number and diversity of courses at under-graduate, graduate and post-graduate courses offered by the University Gozo Campus. The Ministry is fully committed YOUR GOZO SIXTH FORM HAND BOOK to support that University exams are held in Gozo to mitigate the hardship of Gozitan students having to sit for exams in Malta. In fact in May/June 2013, 313 exams were held in Gozo while in May/June 2014 the number of exams increased to 757. In May 2014, the Gozo Regional Youth Council was constituted. This measure formed part of the EcoGozo Action Plan 2010 - 2012. This Council aims to provide young people in Gozo with an effective representation and to recognise the work of these youth groups to the benefit of Gozitan society. Every effort should be taken to promote youths’ participation in decision-making and ensure that young people are valued as important power agents in the decisions that affect their lives. While congratulating Pulse on this initiative, I urge you to take a look at this guide book which will most certainly help facilitate your experience at Sir Michelangelo Refalo Centre for Further Studies., I wish you all the very best of successes in your academic journey.
PULSE
what we stand for Pulse Malta was founded on 19th March, 1997, with the purpose of being an active organisation representing students all over the islands. Commencing operations at the G.F. Abela Junior College and the University of Malta, Pulse started fielding candidates for the students’ council elections, with a successful result and a notable track-record, especially in KSJC: the Junior College students’ council. In 2012, Pulse continued on its mission to expand its representation, becoming the first-ever recognised student society in MCAST, and therefore increasing its reach to all College campuses in Malta and Gozo. This was followed by recognition as the first-ever political student representation in the Gozo Sixth Form. Pulse aims to continue expanding its representation in order to continue building on the work conducted so far. Furthermore, with clear aims for the future, the organisation will continue providing effective representation through clear policies and a student-centred agenda.
your lessons The amount of lessons you have depends on the course and subjects you’ve chosen. In the case of the MATSEC Course, one has six lessons per week for the two Advanced subjects (combining lectures and tutorials) and three lessons per week for the three Intermediate subjects, as well as four lessons per week for Systems of Knowledge. Systems of Knowledge consists of four modules (refer to specific section on page 6) which you will study simultaneously - Arts, Democracy, Environment, and Science and Technology. Apart from these lessons, there are also a number of extra-curricular lessons and activities throughout the year, with attendance and participation being expected and encouraged from all students. Such activities not only complement your academic experience, but also provide you with new tools to develop your knowledge, skills, and understanding.
Watch out for notices and updates posted throughout the year regarding extra-curricular lessons
changing
YOUR SUBJECT OR COURSE
While it is recommended to try making the right subject choices before the start of the academic year, it is however possible to alter your choice of subjects throughout the duration of your course. Should you discover that a subject or even the entire course is not suitable for you, you should first consider speaking to your teacher/s (especially in cases concerning individual subjects). Together you can find a solution to your problem not necessarily YOUR GOZOwhich SIXTHmay FORM HAND BOOK lead to a change of subject or course. However should this fail as well, you are required to contact the Guidance Team as early as possible. The guidance team will help you choose a new subject/course which is most suitable to you. Alternatively, you also have the option of upgrading or downgrading subjects (from Intermediate to Advanced level or vice-versa). After finalising the changing process, you may be able to start following your new subject/course after official clearance from the Guidance Team and Head of School.
systems
OF KNOWLEDGE
Systems of Knowledge is an intermediate subject, a compulsory part of the MATSEC Course, and a requirement for entry into University. Module 1: Democratic Values and Citizenship Module 2: Aesthetic Values, Art, and Culture Module 3: Values in Science and Technology Module 4: Sustainable Development and the Environment
YOUR GOZO SIXTH FORM HAND BOOK
Assessment is mde up of two components – 1) The Project: Each student is required to choose an organisation and carry out some voluntary work, either related to responsible citizenship, art, or the environment, and which will also include a short scientific input. The project carries 40% of the MATSEC mark. 2) The final examination: This is the MATSEC Examination after the two-year course. It consists of a three-hour paper in which the student has to answer four essay questions – one on each module. The examination carries 60% of the MATSEC mark. A pass mark in the exam is required before the marks of the project would be added.
contacting YOUR TEACHER
In case of a problem regarding a lesson or subject, you can always feel free to contact your teacher, either via e-mail (only if given permission), or by contacting him/her personally. Together, you can find a solution to any of your academic difficulties. Furhtermore, in case of missed lessons due to valid circumstances (e.g. being sick), it is essential to consult with your teacher immediately YOUR GOZO FORM HAND BOOK in order to catch upSIXTH with any missing topics and material. However, it is important to note that should you miss a lesson, it would be mostly up to you to ensure that all notes compiled during any missing lessons are obtained. It is also important to inform the school administration immediately should you be missing any lessons due to illness, apart from presenting a medical certificate at the Secretarial Office once you return back to school.
opportunities Throughout the year, the school administration organises numerous events and opportunities for students. Among these, there are various travelling opportunities, some of which are financed by the European Union, and are open to both first and second year students. Varying from cultural to educational in nature, these opportunities are not to be missed and one must keep an eye for any related news and updates. Apart from this, a number of school students participate in the yearly Malta Students’ Science Forum and the Mini European Assembly. The former consists of a series of short conferences during which the participating teams present and quiz others on a series of science-related themes. On the other hand, the latter involves a series of parliamentary-style debates on a wide range of current affairs topics, with the aim of exposing the different opinions on the matter. Apart from this, a number of other activities are held throughout the year. Although attendance to these events is compulsory, one must not see them solely as such, but rather as an important part of every student’s successful academic experience.
school notices The school regularly posts its latest notices and updates regarding events, lessons, as well as any other announcements on the two whiteboards and the digital screen in the main foyer, as well as the several notice boards around the school. One has to be careful as not to miss any relevant updates by checking these information boards regularly. Furthermore, one can check whether a teacher shall not be attending school on any given day by referring to the ‘Absent Teachers’ notice on the digital screen. If one of your teachers’ names is included, this indicates that s/he will not be available, and that, unless otherwise stated, all lessons meant to be conducted by him/her are cancelled. In case of changes in lesson dates/times/venues, extra lessons, and other specific class notices, one has to refer to the whiteboards in the main foyer and the digital screen, which are constantly updated with information by teachers themselves. Other notices from the Secretarial office, such as exam timetables are posted in the main notice board, also in the foyer.
library and canteen The Sir M.A. Refalo library is an open library, with access to a variety of resources to both students and teachers alike. It contains mostly school-related books, which can be used within the library to catch up on school work or studying during free periods. It also features several computers, with access to the internet, and for a small fee, you can also use the photocopying service, run by the school librarians. School books can be ordered and picked up from the library, and if you lose a book, you can reorder a new one. The library definitely provides the best environment where to maximise your academic experience and make the best use of your time. Just a few steps away, the canteen features a small cafeteria run by very friendly staff, open during school hours. For entertainment during a free period or break, catching up on the latest hits or just hanging around with your friends is definitely the best way to unwind. It is worth noting that you are not required to remain on the school grounds during break or free periods, and can go wherever you want outside the premises. Ideally, you should make maximum use of the school premises, even in your free time.
spirituality The school also offers spiritual direction and assistance throughout the scholastic year. All students are encouraged to attend the numerous events organised by the Chaplaincy. Eucharist is celebrated on every Wednesday and Friday, and on the first Friday of each month animated by the students themselves. Other religious events include Adoration every second Wednesday of the month, as well as Spiritual Exercises during Lent. Students are also given the opportunity to share their life experiences together. The Chaplaincy seeks to create an environment where you would feel at peace with yourself and those in your life, providing you with a helping hand where needed. For this reason, the Spiritual Director is available to listen and assist students every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
contact details Sir M.A. Refalo Post-Secondary School Enrico Mizzi Street Victoria, Gozo Headmaster Assistant Heads Secretarial Office Guidance Team Staff Room
21564554 21550473 21562397 / 21551582 21550419 21551582
Email mrefalo.upperlyceum@gov.mt Webite www.schoolnet.gov.mt/smarc
Pulse Malta Students’ House University of Malta, Msida Email Website
info@pulse.org.mt www.pulse.org.mt
your school SIR M.A. REFALO