Environmental Studies All about this SEC Exam !

Six main topics – General lessons Geography, History & Social Studies The world - our home Management of resources Human population Human communities Work and leisure Managing a nation

Go to the internet to view the full revised syllabus www.home.um.edu.mt/matsec Click on Sillabi 2012 English version – Environmental Studies Maltese version – Studji Ambjentali

Details The exam is divided into Paper I and Paper II. Student has to choose between Paper IIA or IIB. Exam papers are issued in both Maltese and English. Candidates may answer any question in Maltese and/or English, however no change of language is permitted within the same sub section of the question. 15% of the global mark that is 30 marks is allotted to the investigation project that each student has to prepare. The Investigation has to be about 1500 to 2000 words or five chapters of 300 words.

Main changes in Revised Syllabus Paper 1 Section A (Total marks: 40) will include from 9 to 15 short answer questions that will reflect all of the six themes of the syllabus. Section B (Total marks: 50) will include two questions based on sources. This could be an extract from a newspaper or information about a particular situation. See Specimen Paper http://www.um.edu.mt/matsec/specimenpapers - SEC Environmental Studies P-1 Specimen Paper 2011 [PDF]

Copies of Original photos Procedure for Project Select a tutor from teachers teaching Form V Geography, History and Social Studies depending on the main theme. Tutor will go over the drafts of the various chapters and offer his/her advice so that the project presented will be of good standard. Students have to collect their own data - Direct Observation Questionnaires Surveys Statistics Newspaper articles Copies of Original photos Information collected has to be fully analysed

Examples of actual work done Student 1 - Hardly any contact with tutor; No photos; Some papers printed badly; Referred to USA not to the local situation; Copy and paste; What can I do omitted!; No real personal comments = Marks 2 Student 2 – Referred to Map; Old photos & Recent ones; Relevant interviews; Own conclusions; Written in own words; Valid points mentioned but organisation of ideas could have been better = Marks 13 Student 3 – Map; Photos: Series showing landforms, Labelled, Visual effects of sea pollution, dated; Covered varied and interesting points; Well analysed; A very good study of the locality = Marks 15

More actual examples Student 4 – Corrections suggested by Tutor ignored; Spelling of title incorrect; Dates not exact; Fragmented points; Deductions not correct; Too many sites chosen without any real investigation; Conclusion too short = Marks 5 Student 5 – Map; Photos of re- enactments; Very detailed information; Attempted to analyse; Conclusion good with practical suggestions = Marks 14 Student 6 - Time line; Maps; Photos related to information; Depended on own investigation and observations = Marks 14

Choose one Investigative Project from the following titles - Topic 1: The geographical and geological context of a historical or archaeological site in Malta or Gozo. Topic 2: Man’s impact on one of the valleys of the Maltese islands. Topic 3: The main characteristics of the Maltese village core. Topic 4: An example of civil architecture of the British period. Topic 5: Investigating one primary activity in Malta – Does it still have a future? Topic 6: How green are the new cars on the market and do young people consider environmental aspects when buying their first car?

Tips for a good investigation Books and magazines used solely for reference material Based on personal observation Serious personal analysis Surveys and analysis of results Questions of interviews should not be obvious Analysis of comments made by the people interviewed Photos, graphs and diagrams included and fully evaluated Include personal comments and experiences Should refer to the natural, social or historical environment Give practical original suggestions for improving the area under focus

Layout of Project Title of project, name of student and class Home address, school address, and scholastic year Why was the theme chosen? What do you plan to investigate? How do you plan to carry out this investigation? Front cover 1st Page Introduction

More about the layout The page reference for each chapter Contents The page reference for photographs, maps, graphs, and photocopies of newspaper articles The chapters, at least five, should reflect the aims mentioned in the introduction. Graphs, surveys and questionnaires should be fully explained and analysed A caption should be included under each photograph, map or sketch. Contents List of illustrations Chapters

The last pages of your project A summary is given of all the aspects that the investigation has brought to light. Suggestions for the future should be included Above all mention what you as a young person can do in favour of the area under study List of books, websites, pamphlets, magazines, newspaper that have been used for reference In this section all the persons that have helped you can be officially thanked. Conclusion Bibliography Acknowledgements

Please take note …… Students caught copying an Investigation will be reported to the Sec Board Do not sit for exam if not ready to study and prepare a good investigation – Otherwise it is just a waste of money Students have to hand in two copies of the Investigative Project. The original can be collected back by June.

Timings Full information on website August 2011 Investigation Preparing of draft project Meeting for students sitting for Env. Studies SEC Exam and their parents Reviewing of draft by tutor Final adjustments Printing of final layout Binding of project Handing in two copies of project to tutor August 2011 Summer 11 October 11 Nov. 11 Dec. 11 January 12

Projects will not be accepted by tutors if … If project is handed in after the closing date given. If projects given have an extremely poor presentation.

Please take note Investigative Projects are to be handed in directly to Tutor not left on desk of staff room or elsewhere. No responsibility will be taken by tutors of projects not handed to them in person.

Result 2012 30 marks out of 200 Your result depends on your input! ??? No project = high probability of getting a failure Overall marks lost – 15% or 30 marks out of 200

Feedback or Help needed Send email to Ms DeBattista at rita.debattista@educ.gov.mt

Environmental Studies is more than an exam….. Last comment Environmental Studies is more than an exam….. it means a change in lifestyle in favour of the environment ! Thank you for your attention. Ms R. DeBattista Head of Department Geography St. Margaret College Boys Sec. Verdala