Exam assistance for ADHD and dyslexic students peaked in 2021

May 19 2022

As reported by MaltaToday, quoting a statistical report by MATSEC, 679 candidates were given examination access arrangements (EAAs) when sitting for their O-levels in 2021.

Male students were twice as likely as females to request EEAs, with students hailing from private independent schools registering higher numbers of requesting assistance.

679 candidates means 13.5% of all registrations. 18.4% were male students and 9.3% were female candidates. The difference was attributed to research showing that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with conditions like ADHD.

Applications are processed by the ACCESS-Disability Support Committee of the University of Malta. The EAAs come in various forms, depending on the condition of the student.

They include extra time, rest periods, modified papers, larger prints, communicators and readers, etc. These have made it possible for more students to continue their education.

Many students applying for the arrangements suffer from conditions like ADHD, dyslexia and autism. In 2021, around 257 students requesting EEAs suffered from specific difficulties related to dyslexia. 191 students suffered from difficulties related to ADHD.

The percentages shot up from just 1.6% of candidates to 13.5% from 2004 to 2021.

#MaltaDaily

New centre for kids with sensory processing disorder inaugurated

May 19 2022

Addressing a press conference, Health Minister Chris Fearne, alongside Education and Sports Minister Clifton Grima, inaugurated a new Marsa complex which will give aid, education and support to kids with sensory processing disorder.

Fearne noted how medical science was acquiring more awareness of such disorders and thus required further social awareness and institutional assistance.

The Health Minister stated how the data shows that around 1 in 20 kids could suffer from such a condition. And despite not everyone needing intense medical care, some would greatly benefit from such rooms.

Called Sensory Integration Therapy, the new centre will focus on providing such tools for children who are born with some form of sensory processing disorder. The clinics also give mentoring to those seeking to continue their studying in the field, given that this is a very young and specialised form of therapy.

Speaking during the press conference, Minister Clifton Grima said that the educational system needs to incorporate all children, whatever their context, as to ensure that they all have the best assistance which could bee provided. He said that this initiative has children as its focus.

#MaltaDaily

Malta’s Got Talent will return this October with Season 2!

May 19 2022

It’s that time again for the Maltese to show us what they’ve got! Malta’s Got Talent Season 2 will be returning to your screens this October.

It is set to be officially be announced next week and will air during the winter schedule. Another successful production by greatt, the first season saw Jomike and Lydon bringing traditional Maltese Ghana and winning the honorary title.

The show saw many more talented acts, from dancers to singers, fire jugglers, comedic acts, magic… you name it! So we’re sure that the second season will bring in some new bizarre talents for us to marvel at!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by greatt (@greatt.mt)

We will also have to wait and see who will make up the judging panel this year. Season 1 saw Howard Keith, Sarah Zerafa, Maxine Aquilina and Ray Attard come face to face with all sorts of performances!

And who knows, maybe acts from the previous season will try and shoot their shot once more and see if they can snatch that top prize. We will have to wait and see!

#MaltaDaily

Beloved DJ Ian Lang passes away aged 55

May 19 2022

Popular DJ Ian Lang has sadly passed away at the age of 55, with his wife Kathy unveiling the somber news on Thursday morning.

Lang had been living in Malta for over 30 years, and became a well-known face of music in the local party scene from the 1990s.

Apart from playing in night clubs such as Styx, Axis and Numero Uno, Lang had a lasting association with Bay Radio, having been involved with the station since its 1992 inception.

His wife took to Facebook to state: ‘It is with a broken heart and great sadness that I write this post… You are now at peace my love, fly high Ian Lang! Your void is already immensely felt and we will miss you forever. The love, laughter and fun we shared is priceless and a gift you gave to me and our kids Emily, Hannah and Mia.’

‘You will live on in our hearts for eternity. Details of his funeral will be announced later today’ she concluded.

89.7 Bay also issued their own tribute to the DJ, outlining his deep connection with the station in a heartwarming post.

#MaltaDaily