Ordinary Level

1 session of 1.5 hours weekly

The aims of the syllabus as a course of study are to enable candidates to:

• introduce, understand, and apply basic Social Studies concepts;
• develop an appreciation of social issues relating appropriately to the conditions of modern society;
• cultivate a critical awareness of recent developments in the local, European, and international contexts;
• enable candidates to apply the subject areas to their life experience;

Scheme of Assessment

The examination will consist of two papers of two hours’ duration each. The papers will be set in both Maltese and English. Candidates must choose to answer either entirely in Maltese or entirely in English.

Paper I - Two hours (50% of the global mark):

This paper must be taken by ALL candidates and will assess the candidates’ knowledge of the whole syllabus content. Paper I will consist of two sections. Each section will consist of a selected text on which a set of five questions will be given. Candidates will be required to answer both sections of the paper.

Paper II - Two hours (50% of the global mark):

There will be two versions of this paper: Paper IIA and Paper IIB.

In their answers candidates are expected to discuss topics from both a theoretical and practical perspective. Both Paper IIA and Paper IIB will consist of 4 sections that correspond to the different sections of the syllabus. In each section there will be two questions and candidates will be expected to answer one question from each section. Each question carries equal marks.

(Matsec Syllabus Social Studies O Level)

(Based on the Matsec Syllabus Social Studies O Level)

Explore the entire syllabus (topics in detail, pre-requisites, specimen paper and grade descriptors here): http://www.um.edu.mt/matsec

To apply for Social Studies O Level course call 21227799 or email us for more information.