National reform programme 2008-2010 Malta - European Commission

This process aims to facilitate the transition process and provide an inclusive educational
experience for all pupils, thereby developing their confidence and self-esteem. This measure
addresses the reduction of early school leavers by increasing retention rates.
Promoting literacy skills in young people
While Malta has developed its systems of data collection and is analysing the level of reading
skills in primary and secondary schools on a national level, Malta’s participation in the
collection of international comparative data is essential. In this respect Malta is seeking funds
to be able to participate in international surveys such as PIRLS and PISA which will provide
valid indicators.
Within the new College set-up students at secondary level, lacking basic skills including
literacy, are being provided with customised programmes to address their needs. Such
programmes supplement existing measures at both primary and secondary levels. This will
ensure that all young people leave compulsory education functionally literate. In addition, a
policy is being introduced in 2008/09 to ensure early identification of pupils who are facing
difficulties in acquiring literacy skills in primary schools and a strategy aimed at subsequent
early intervention is accompanying it thus ensuring the acquisition of literacy competencies by
the end of the primary cycle.
An employment strategy to increase capacity building in the student services sector is also
underway so as to offer support to those students facing educational challenges or are at
some form of educational disadvantage.
Increasing the number of graduates in Science and Technology
At compulsory education level, measures are being undertaken with a view to encourage
more students to take up courses in Mathematics, Science and Technology at tertiary level.
These measures include:
• the refurbishment of Science Laboratories: nurture a positive attitude to science and
technology and develop inquiry-based learning and scientific skills among secondary
school students by refurbishing and upgrading science and technology laboratories By
2010, all science laboratories and a number of technology laboratories in all state
schools will be upgraded. This measure will contribute towards increasing the number
of students opting for and obtaining certification in the sciences.
• strengthening science teaching at primary and secondary level: the current curriculum
review is also looking into the teaching and learning of science at both primary and
secondary levels with a view to strengthen science within compulsory education. It is
envisaged that concrete measures will be undertaken from 2009 following the outcome
of this review.
In addition, these actions will be complemented with significant investments at MCAST, the
Junior College and the University of Malta to upgrade teaching laboratories. In particular, the
University of Malta is now in a position to equip a number of specialist laboratories, ranging
from biology, chemistry, biotechnology, physics, earth sciences, pharmacology, electronics,
and ICT amongst others to support teaching and research at undergraduate, postgraduate,
and postdoctoral levels.
Developments in further education
Further education in Malta includes all post secondary institutes and colleges which provide
general academic teaching or vocational education and training leading to National
Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 5.
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