University decision on English proficiency test was hasty, PN says

A University decision for new students to take an English proficiency test and if necessary follow an English Communicative Aptitude Programme was taken in haste, the Nationalist Party said today. "While appreciating the initiative being taken by the University of Malta to ensure that students are sufficiently proficient in the use of the English language, the Nationalist Party is disappointed that such a measure was introduced hastily," the party said. It said it had discussed the issue with the Rector, the students' council, students and lecturers. It said it questions the need for students who had obtained their certification in the English Language, especially at Intermediary and Advanced level only a few weeks prior to entry to University, to be re-assessed upon applying to the same University which would have certified their English Language ability immediately before their entry. "Without doubting the assistance that this programme could offer students in the expression and conveyance of precise and complex ideas required of them in their studies, the Nationalist Party does not want this programme to become a barrier to access University," the party said. It noted that...