The Maltese Education System

THE MALTESE EDUCATION SYSTEM

Introduction Education within state schools is available and free to all children from the age of 5–16 regardless of their gender, beliefs or their family’s economic means. The National Curriculum and the regulations for all the state schools on Malta and Gozo are established by the state in accordance with the Education Act (1988). As regards private schools, these fall under one of two categories; church schools or independent schools. These schools offer education to children and adolescents from primary to secondary, and sometimes even upper secondary education. The diagram below shows the general education system most Maltese children follow.

Age

Type of Education

3-5

Kindergarten/Pre-Primary

5-11

Primary

11-16

Secondary

16-18

Sixth form/Upper Secondary

18+

Tertiary education - Unversity

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Pre-Primary Education 95% of children attend kindergarten or pre-primary school despite this being optional. Pre-primary education is offered free in state schools and is coeducational. Most pre-primary school/kindergarten centres form part of primary schools. The National Minimum Curriculum states that at this level no formal teaching takes place, however the development of children’s social attitudes and language and communication skills are worked on. Children engage in activities that focus on communication by means of words or gestures, singing, playing, painting and exercises.

Primary Education Primary education is compulsory for all children from the age of 5 until 16 years of age. The government is committed to an inclusive education policy which means that even students with special needs are integrated in the mainstream. Primary education is free within state schools, which also includes transport and textbooks, and it is also co-educational. In primary school children build on and consolidate what they have learnt during their pre-primary and kindergarten years. As well as refining their social attitudes and communication skills, a lot of importance is given to preparing the children for secondary school education. During cycle 1 (years 1,2 and 3) of Primary education is where the children work on social skills, literacy and numeracy skills. Cycle 2 (years 4,5 and 6) consists of more academic content and much more formal learning. In state schools, towards the end of cycle 2, children prepare for what is known as Junior Lyceum Examination. Their result in this examination determines where they will attend secondary school. This examination is not taken by children who attend private schools.

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Secondary Education Students who sit for their Junior Lyceum Examination either attend a Junior Lyceum, an Area Secondary school or a secondary school for very low achievers. Admission into the junior lyceums means that the student would be following a more intensive academic programme, therefore students who pass the exam would attend these schools. Students who fail the exam would attend an Area Secondary school and a student whose level after 6 years of education is still considered very low would attend a secondary school for low achievers. Most secondary schools, unlike the pre-primary and primary schools, are single-sex.

Upper Secondary Education Upper secondary education or sixth form can be followed optionally either at the pre-university institution known as Junior College or at any other church or independent private school. Here students narrow down their subjects to include the area that they would like to specialize in and/or which they would continue to specialize in at university. MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology) is a vocational upper secondary institution. Its aim is to provide professional education and training in certain subject areas which are not available at the University of Malta. ITS (Institute of Tourism Studies) is another popular institution that many students attend to prepare for a career in the tourism and hospitality sector, which is one of Malta’s key strengths.

Tertiary Education The University of Malta is funded by the government and is autonomous and self-governing. The university offers undergraduate as well as post-graduate education and the duration of courses range from 1-6 years, depending on the subject area. Most students enter university straight after sixth form, ages 17/18, however there is also a large number of mature students who also attend part-time or evening courses. International students can apply for enrolment to the University of Malta through the International Office at the university every year until the end of August. Although local students do not pay any university fees, overseas students are charged.

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Learning English in Malta Malta has earned itself a good reputation as a quality destination for learning English. The EFL industry has grown at a steady rate and there are a number of English language schools in all corners of the island. These schools offer a wide range of English language courses. In the past only basic General English courses were available, however in recent years schools have developed to include specialized courses to be able to teach English for a specific purpose (ESP) and for a particular area. Business, Medical, Legal and Aviation English are a few examples. Young children, teenagers and adults come to Malta all year round to improve their English as well as to enjoy Malta’s history, sea, leisure activities and much more.

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