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 one’s 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: 1. Quality Education for All; 2. Respect for Diversity; 3. Stimulation of Analytical…Skills; 4. Education Relevant for Life 5. Stable Learning Environment; 6. Nurturing Commitment; 7. Holistic Education

14 Principles NMC cont. 8 An Inclusive Education; 9 A More Formative Assessment; 10. The Strengthening of Bilingualism 11 Gender Equality; 12 Vocation and Competence; 13 … Learning Environments; 14 More participation in Curr. Dev.; 15 Decentralisation and Identity.

15 NMC Objectives 1. Self-awareness and development of ethical and moral values. 2. Development of citizens and a democratic environment. 3. Developing a sense of identity through creative expression. 4. Religious education. 5. Strengthening of Gender Equality.

16 NMC Objectives cont. 6 Education on Human Sexuality. 7 Preparing Educated Consumers. 8 Media Education. 9 Effective and productive participation in the World of Work. 10 Education for Leisure. 11 Wise Choices in the field of Health.

17 Objectives contd. 12 Role of Science and Technology. 13 Competence in Communication. 14 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)