Decline in English A grades according to examiners

Feb 27 2021

Examiners have lamented that in the A-Level paper during 2020, 10 out of 783 candidates obtained an A grade. The downwards slope was noted up to five years ago in the 2019 report. A grade students seem to have declined to 1.3% from the previous 4.1% in last year’s session. 2020 saw lower percentages than 2017 to 2014. Examiners claimed that this should not be seen as a sign of falling standards.

Ds increased up to 17.9% from 17.2%, with more Cs (30.7% from 29.1%) and Bs (8.1% from 5.9%). As, Es and Fs all seem to have declined, with a high concentration of mid grades B to D. This warrants investigation by educators as to why this has been occurring. A notable decline in poor performances however could be attributed to students having more time to prepare for the exam due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Malta could face a lockdown if discipline is neglected

Feb 27 2021

The Chamber of Commerce has stated that a more serious enforcement of COVID-19 measures are required to avoid any future lockdown. With this week seeing the highest number of COVID-19 cases and spread of variants, the Chamber highlighted the importance of not becoming complacent.

The introduction of the vaccine should not be a green light to ignore measures as the road towards removing COVID-19 from the field of play is still a long way ahead.

A false sense of security might result in a lockdown as cases continues to spread, and thus with the help of the vaccine, measures should still be tended too. Social gatherings are still to be avoided and only necessary work requirements should warrant individuals to meet up in numbers.

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Contraceptives to find their place on essential medicine list soon

Feb 27 2021

As part of a new sexual health strategy with a more holistic approach, Health Minister Chris Fearne hinted at contraceptives being placed on the essential medicine list. The strategy hasn’t been updated in ten years, but this new incentive could see the statements made by activities be given fruition.

According to WHO, essential medicines are ‘those that satisfy the priority health needs of the population’ and qualify to make it to the list in consideration of evidence of clinical efficacy and safety, cost-effectiveness, disease prevalence and public health relevance.

Contraceptives have had a sore history in Malta, but this measure might see the country being stocked with them to address any requirement.

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HSBC Victoria, Gozo branch closed until 12th March due to corona virus

Feb 27 2021

After positive testing for COVID-19, HSBC Malta announced that the Victoria, Gozo branch had to be closed down with immediate effect until 12th March 2021. Placing the safety of its customers and employees at the forefront, the bank reminded customers that the majority of services are available through Credit and Debit Cards, Mobile, Internet, ATM and Deposit Machine services.

Apologising for any inconvenience, HSBC Malta opened a 24 hour contact line through 2380 8219 should any help be required by the Gozo branch customers. As cases seem to be on the rise once more and one directly effecting the branch, HSBC Victoria, Gozo highlights the importance of taking the necessary precautions to avoid spread and ensure safety.

IMPORTANT NOTICEWe would like to let our customers know that our branch in Victoria, Gozo, has temporarily closed,…

Posted by HSBC on Friday, 26 February 2021

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