How to encourage further studies

I fully agree with Richard Micallef (Students Denied University Entry, October 19) and Odette Longo (Waste Of Scientific Talent, October 28) about qualifications and education. In order to encourage more students to take up post-secondary education I suggest the following:

Entry to the Junior College/Sixth Form would be by a minimum of six SEC certificates from Grade 1 to 7. But subjects to be taken at A Level must be at least at Grade 3 and subjects at Intermediate Level must be at a minimum Grade 5.

Many students simply do not continue studying because they have got a grade lower than 5 in any of the compulsory subjects needed for entry to the Junior College.

At university the general entry requirements would be any six SEC certificates at Grade 1 to 7 (instead of the current English, Maltese and Maths at Grade 5 or better). Plus of course the Matsec certificate subject to particular degree/diploma course requirements.

Such little things can make a lot of difference. Remember when we only studied for three A Levels to get into university? Students now have to take six subjects (two at A Level and four at Intermediate Level) to obtain entry to university.

Let's make life easier and encourage more students to continue with lifelong education, otherwise bright students who have difficulty with one subject (sometimes irrelevant to their planned course of studies) lose out, and so is our island. By all means reduce stipends, improve university facilities and increase student numbers.