Malta
Malta is the smallest member of the European Union in terms of area, population and Gross Domestic Product. The history of the Maltese Islands is rich and varied. In fact, its 7000 years of history date back to 5200BC and start with the arrival of man. Strategically located at the cross roads between Europe and Africa, Malta has endured occupation by the leading civilizations throughout history. Subsequent important dates include St Paul’s Shipwreck in 60AD, which marked the arrival of Christianity to the Islands, the Great Siege in 1565, Malta gaining Independence from Britain in 1964, becoming a Republic in 1974. In 2004, Malta was accepted as a Member of the European Union and adopted the Euro in 2008.
Source: Country Report Malta: 2014
The politics of Malta takes place within a framework of a parliamentary representative democraticrepublic, whereby the President of Malta is the constitutional head of state. Executive authority is vested in the President of Malta with the general direction and control of the Government of Malta remaining with the Prime Minister of Malta who is the head of government, and the cabinet. Currently there are three parties represented in parliament: the Labour Party with the largest number of representatives, the Nationalist Party and the Democratic. A small number of other parties and movements usually contest general elections, but these are not represented in parliament. [1]
The population of the Maltese islands at the end of 2017 stood at 475,701.[2]
The native language of Malta is the Malti. The Maltese language is the only official Semitic language within the EU and it is written in Latin script. Together with Maltese, English is also an official language.
Malta’s history and geographical position have had an impact on its linguistic development. In fact, the Maltese language provides an intriguing example of fusion of elements from diverse linguistic sources. The overwhelming majority of Maltese citizens consider foreign languages to be important due to economic reasons among which tourism. Malta’s diverse population also plays a crucial role in the importance of foreign languages. The bilingual education policy of Malta is outlined in the National Literacy Strategy for All in Malta and Gozo (2014)[3]. This Strategy has as its main objective a policy of bilingualism and bi-literacy in Maltese and English.
One of the main objectives of the Framework for the Education Strategy for Malta 2014-2024[4] is to improve the quality and effectiveness of our country and to develop a society which is competent, resourceful, critically conscious and competitive in a global economy driven by information, knowledge and innovation. Other objectives include the provision of a relevant curriculum built on a learning outcomes approach, a variety of learning experiences and qualifications anchored to the Malta Qualifications Framework, different tracks and opportunities to increase relevance of learning to the labour market, preparation for highly skilled jobs through post-secondary education while ensuring that every learner becomes an active member of a democratic society. The National Curriculum Framework published in 2012 sets the principles, aims and outcomes of compulsory education in Malta. Whilst setting the general direction and parameters to guide all educational institutions (State, Church and Independent) it allows for flexibility to meet the student’s individual needs.[5]
Childcare is recognised as critical and integral to early education. Services are offered in State and Non-State centres free of charge for users as part of a State-funded scheme launched in 2014. Enrolment is increasing substantially also because of societal developments and needs. Primary schooling marks the beginning of compulsory education; it is mostly co-educational and lasts for six years. There are a number of single sex church primary schools. Classes never exceed 30 pupils, and the school size varies from small schools of less than 100 students to larger schools with approximately 600 students. The curriculum at this level covers Maltese, English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Religious Education or Ethics, Physical Education and the Expressive Arts. Digital literacy is taught across the curriculum. At the end of Year 6 (aged 11) all students in state schools, together with most of students attending church schools and some independent schools sit for a national benchmarking examination. All learners then proceed to secondary schools. Students attending state schools are set according to their attainment level in the benchmarking examinations in the core subjects. Secondary education consists of a 5-year period divided into a 2-year orientation cycle (middle school) and a 3-year cycle (secondary school) of specialisation.
The 11th year in schooling marks the end of compulsory education. At this point learners sit for the Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) examination which, together with the Secondary School Certificate & Profile (SSC&P), enable successful candidates to move on to post-secondary education. Vocational subjects are increasingly part of the learning choice provided to students. Following the compulsory school cycle, post-secondary education includes both the academic route and the vocational route. Having completed secondary education, students can choose to proceed through to sixth forms or to vocational colleges or to employment.
[1] Information gathered from the following sites:
http://capstonegroup.com.mt/jurisdiction/about-malta/
[2] National Statistics Office Malta Demographics News Release published July 2018: https://nso.gov.mt/en/News_Releases/View_by_Unit/Unit_C5/Population_and_Migration_Statistics/Documents/2018/News2018_107.pdf
[3] National Literacy Strategy for All in Malta and Gozo (2014)http://education.gov.mt/en/Documents/Literacy/ENGLISH.pdf
[4] Framework for the Education Strategy for Malta 2014-2024:
[5] A National Curriculum Framework for all:
http://curriculum.gov.mt/en/Resources/The-NCF/Pages/default.aspx