The Maltese Educational System

1
The Maltese Educational System

• Raymond J. Camilleri
• Department of Curriculum Management
• February 2004

2
Aims and Objectives

• Constitutional Provision
• The Education Act (1988)
• The National Minimum Curriculum

3
Constitutional Provision

• The constitution encourages the state to
• provide compulsory Primary Education free of
  charge
• ensure that capable students attain the highest
  level of education
• (Chapter II)

4
The Education Act (1988)

• The Education Act stipulates that the state has
  the duty to
• promote education and instruction
• ensure the existence of a system of schools and
  institutions accessible to all Maltese
• provide for such schools and institutions
  (Section 2)

5
The Education Act

• acknowledges the right of the State to establish
  a minimum curriculum for all schools
• gives the state the right to establish minimum
  conditions for schools to fulfil
• recognizes basic individual and parental rights

6
The Education Act

• established compulsory schooling between the ages
  of 5 and 16
• gave the power to the Minister for Education to
  extend the period of compulsory education
• recognizes the professional status of teachers

7
The 1988 Act

• resulted in free university education
• gave a large degree of autonomy to the
  University
• established School Councils
• established Teacher Regulations

8
Educational Structure

• State education is free in all institutions
• about 30 of the student population attend
  non-State schools
• Kindergarten Education starts at the age of
  three

9
Educational Structure

• Primary Education lasts six years
• In the first cycle there is an emphasis on social
  skills and pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills
• In the next three-year cycle there is more
  emphasis on academic skills.

10
Educational Structure

• Primary Level
• acquisition of skills values and attitudes
• ability to link the following subjects Maltese,
  English, Mathematics, Religion, Social Studies,
  Physical Education and Sport, Science and
  Technology and Creative Expression.

11
Secondary Education

• On completion of secondary
• education, one should
• have attained an advanced level of
• critical reflection and personality development
• have developed ones knowledge of subjects
  introduced during the primary years

12
Secondary Level

• The basic subjects at Secondary level are
• Maltese, English, Mathematics, Religion, a
  foreign language, Environmental Studies, Physical
  Education and Sport, Computer Literacy,
  Expressive Arts, Personal and Social Education,
  Technology and Design

13
The National Minimum Curriculum

• The Curricular Principles
• Quality Education for All
• Respect for Diversity
• Stimulation of AnalyticalSkills
• Education Relevant for Life
• Stable Learning Environment
• Nurturing Commitment
• Holistic Education

14
Principles NMC cont.

• An Inclusive Education
• A More Formative Assessment
• The Strengthening of Bilingualism
• Gender Equality
• Vocation and Competence
• Learning Environments
• More participation in Curr. Dev.
• Decentralisation and Identity.

15
NMC Objectives

• Self-awareness and development of ethical and
  moral values.
• Development of citizens and a democratic
  environment.
• Developing a sense of identity through creative
  expression.
• Religious education.
• Strengthening of Gender Equality.

16
NMC Objectives cont.

• Education on Human Sexuality.
• Preparing Educated Consumers.
• Media Education.
• Effective and productive participation in the
  World of Work.
• Education for Leisure.
• Wise Choices in the field of Health.

17
Objectives contd.

• Role of Science and Technology.
• Competence in Communication.
• Preparation for Change.

18
Management

• Director General (Education)
• Director (Planning Development)
• Director (Operations)
• Director (Further Studies and Adult Education)
• Director (Student Services and International
  Relations)
• Director (Curriculum Management)
• Director (Design and Technology)
• Director (Finance and Administration)