Trinity Guildhall Examinations in Speech and Drama have received accreditation from the Malta Qualifications Council (MQC). Starting off from this scholastic year, qualifications offered by the Trinity Guildhall Examinations Board, represented in Malta by Masquerade, will be recognised as part of the Malta Qualification Framework and equate with other qualifications in Malta and Europe. Masquerade is the first school in Malta to be accredited in studies related to drama and performance.
This was announced by Dr James Calleja, MQC Chief Executive Officer, during the Masquerade certificate presentation ceremony held last week at the Manoel Theatre.
The Hon. Clyde Puli, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport presented the Trinity Guildhall certificates to drama students. During this ceremony a special Bank of Valletta Award was presented by Mr Edward Muscat while Trinity Guildhall Chief Examiner Mr John Gardyne presented medals to high achievers.
Through its affiliation with Trinity Guildhall, Masquerade students have access to a curriculum and accreditation that is recognized in over 50 countries worldwide including Malta. Exams with an accredited examiner from England take place every year and students are examined at different levels.
With this accreditation, a fellowship Diploma in Performance is recognised as level 7 which is comparable to Masters Level. Other grades are now equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree, ‘A’ Level and GSCE standards.
“It should be emphasised that this accreditation is not about dishing out certificates”, said Masquerade principal anthony bezzina. “It is about maintaining high standards in performance studies and recognising students’ efforts. It is an important step as these qualifications increase the potential of employability of our students, not just in the arts but in a wide range of other employment avenues to which the skills learnt can be applied.”
Masquerade follows the Trinity Guildhall syllabus with clear guidelines in a wide range of programmes including speech and drama, musical theatre and communication skills. It has long been recognised as a programme that stimulates lifelong learning and achievement in the fields of performance and communication.
The aim of graded examinations is to provide an assessment to students that they, their parents and teachers can use to measure progress and development while giving students a strong sense of accomplishment as they move through grade levels. Each student receives a written adjudication, a mark based on specific parameters and a certificate for each grade.
Trinity Guildhall Examinations in Speech & Drama are available to all other schools on the island. You can get your copy of the latest syllabus through Masquerade or online from www.trinitycollege.co.uk.
