An evaluation of the SEC art examination

Abstract

This study evaluates the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) Art examination particularly between 1993 and 2006. Moreover, it also investigates changes that will be carried out in 2008 and 2009. This study first analyses the education of the Maltese examination system, focusing on the assessment methods used in Art. The current SEC Art examination presents three main components. Foremost of these is the Portfolio which includes candidates' work of a three-year course, together with a final project. Moreover, Paper I examines the observational skills. The third component consists of a paper choice between Paper IIA and Paper IIB which assesses the imaginative work. The present SEC examination syllabus is compared to the Art syllabus of the English General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. In order to obtain feedback on the current syllabus, questionnaires were distributed to all Art teachers in both Malta and Gozo. Moreover, in order to attain more elaborate responses, 5 interviews were conducted with Art educators at Junior College and other educational institutions. Results show that the majority of teachers are satisfied with the current SEC examination, although almost all respondents favour ongoing improvements. This study presents a number of recommendations for improvement and suggests areas for further research.