Update: Gozitan University students are currently in the process of sitting their June exams in Gozo. The Gozo University Group said that these are held both at the Gozo Campus of the University of Malta in Xewkija and at the Examination Hall in Victoria.

In a statement this evening, the GUG said that it condemns the situation this year, and said that although the examinations carried out in Victoria last year went without a hitch, “this year the conditions imposed on Gozitan students are not conducive to normal examination conditions.”

The GUG stated that due to the proximity of a childcare centre, situated in the old Junior Lyceum building, students are having to sit their exams with the noise of children playing close by.

According to GUG, to try to abate this problem “windows are being closed, but with no fans or air-conditioning available, the temperature in the room then becomes to hot. Works are also being carried out on the same building, adding to the distraction.”

“Therefore, Gozitan students are having to take their exams, the outcome of which will decide their progression, or their graduation, in a less than ideal situation, to say the least.”

The Gozo University Group said that it has contacted the Ministry for Gozo to ask for help with this issue, and the students have also complained with the invigilators present.

“However,” the Group said, “as half the examination session has already gone by and no response or action has been forthcoming, it shows a disappointing disregard for the students.”

The Gozo University Group said that it urges the Ministry of Gozo “to work with the childcare centre to find another temporary location immediately, for the benefit of those students doing their exams.”

“It is unreasonable to place a childcare centre so close to examination centres and schools,” the Gozo University Group concluded.

Update Tuesday, 16th June: The Gozo University Group said that it has been in contact with the Ministry of Gozo and “they have promised that no works will be carried out and no children will be playing outside during future examinations at the Examination Centre in Victoria.”

The University of Malta has also confirmed that the upper hall, which has no fans or air conditioning, will no longer be used, instead all examinations will take place in the lower hall, the GUG said.

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