In 2023, Malta discontinued benchmark examinations in year 6 of primary school and replaced it with a more holistic assessment of students’ abilities. 

The year 2023 marked the end of the primary benchmark examinations in year 6. The introduction of the benchmark assessments in 2011 signified the end of high-stakes examinations at primary level since the assessment was no longer used as an entry requirement for specific schools. The end-of-primary benchmark introduced the concept of assessing all four language skills and a mental component to the Mathematics summative assessment in year 6. For students, the benchmark examination was an opportunity to showcase all they had learnt during their primary education, giving students a holistic picture of their achievements. 

Over the past years, Malta’s assessment system in primary schools has moved away from summative assessments as the sole tool to evaluate students’ abilities. Instead, more holistic assessments were introduced, where the work done during the scholastic year is also given value in order to promote continuous active learning. The discontinuation of the benchmark examinations at the end of primary school in 2023 reflect this shift. In 2024, instead of the end-of-primary benchmark examinations, students sat an annual examination comprising 60% of the students’ global mark. The other 40% of the global mark were based on continuous assessments.  

Continuous assessment tasks are presented by the class teacher to students throughout the scholastic year. Teachers are encouraged to assign tasks focusing on real-world applications of competences using varied assessment methods. Tasks assigned are linked to the Learning Outcomes Framework, which guides educators in their planning. This shift aligns with the adaptation of Malta’s educational system towards 21st-century skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork.  

Source: Eurydice Unit Malta