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In
Malta, education is compulsory between the ages of five and
sixteen. Education is completely free in State and Church
institutions.
About
30% of the national student population attend non-State schools.
The vast majorities of these are Catholic Church schools run
by Religious Orders and funded by the State. There is also
a growing number of privately funded independent schools.
Compulsory education is sub-divided into a six year primary
cycle (5 to 10+ years) and five years of secondary education
(11 to 16 years). In general, the Maltese educational system
aims to cater for the needs of all pupils, irrespective of
their academic abilities or vocational interests. Throughout
the whole educational cycle the government is committed to
a policy of inclusive education, where children with special
needs are integrated into the mainstream.
Preschool
Education - (ages 3-5)
Pre-Primary
education is co-educational and caters for children aged between
three and five years and is full time. This is provided in
kindergarten centers that are attached to primary schools
and fall under the responsibility of the Head of the primary
school. At this level no formal teaching takes place. Educational
activity is aimed to develop the children's social attitudes,
language and communication skills in preparation for primary
education. Although attendance at pre-primary level is voluntary
about ninety-five (95%) of the age cohort attend.
Primary
Education - (ages 5-10+)
Primary
education is co-educational and covers the ages five to ten
plus. Classes never exceed 30 pupils. The size of the schools
varies from those with a population (including kindergarten
pupils) of less than one hundred to larger schools with a
population of approximately eight hundred students.
The
core subjects at primary level are Maltese, Maths, Science,
Social Studies, Religious Education, Physical Education and
the Expressive Arts. At primary level , the class teacher
decides on the level at which to teach, within certain guidelines.
The years 2000-2007 will see the gradual introduction of technology
education in this sector.
Private
primary schools have their own way of selecting and recruiting
students. Assessment is also carried out independently by
individual schools, and there is an increasing use of monitoring
services provided by the State.
Secondary
Education (ages 11-16)
Secondary
education is available to all students who successfully complete
primary education. State and Church Secondary schools are
single sex. The majority of schools have a population of less
than 550 students. At the age of 11, students generally sit
for a qualifying, non competitive examination. Those who pass
are admitted into Junior Lyceums, which are schools for higher
achievers, while the other students start attending General
Secondary Schools. There is a special provision for poor achievers
who receive a simplified and less demanding type of secondary
education.
In
the first two years of secondary education classes may have
up to 30 students while in the last three years classes may
not have more than 25 students. Each class is assigned to
a Form Teacher who monitors the progress of students under
his/her care.
Post
Secondary Education (ages 16-18)
The
State Post Secondary Sector is presently made up of the Junior
College, which is administered by the University of Malta,
Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School and Sir M.A. Refalo
Centre for Further Studies in Gozo. Post-Secondary education
leads both to the academic route and the vocational route.
The academic route leads into University Courses whilst the
vocational route leads to vocational qualifications and to
employment.
The Malta College of Arts, Science and
Technology (16+)
The
Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) is a
new College. It was set up by bringing together a number of
seperate Institutes offering a variety of courses of vocational
educational training. Eventually more Institutes will join
MCAST so that almost all vocational education and training
will be delivered through the College.
Although
MCAST is the College, each institute has its own identity
and offers a variety of related courses at all levels. A student
who attends a post sixteen Institute is a student of MCAST.
All students can expect to receive the same quality of service.
The College is a major provider of the off-the-job educational
training element of apprenticeship schemes and works closely
with ETC in ensuring these schemes meet the needs of local
employers.
The
College aims to equip its students with all the necessary
skills and knowledge to enable them to make a success of their
chosen career. We try to ensure that what is learnt is not
only relevant to the needs of today's employment but will
also enable students to respond successfully to today's fast
moving world. Our staff are highly qualified in their particular
areas and are committed to do their best to ensure that students
are successful in their career. We promise that our facilities
are up-to-date and that there are opportunities for all to
work on their own initiative particularly with the use of
IT.
The
College is aware of the changes taking place in the Maltese
society. It is therefore our target to meet such challenges
through hands-on training and solid theoretical foundations
in given areas of concern. In this connection, students coming
to MCAST will benefit from a perosonalized education and attention
from our qualified teaching staff. Each student will have
the opportunity to interact with other students so that a
new work ethic could be enhanced for the students' personal
benefit and for the country's development.
MCAST
is here to serve students. It aims to provide the best possible
education and training opportunities and the necessary support
and help to make their time with us rewarding and enjoyable.
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