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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, and one other school at Naxxar. 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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