What's going on in Malta

1. How does education in Malta differ from other countries in Europe?
Malta’s education system is very similar to that in other European countries. Compulsory schooling is up to the age of 16 with 90% of students going on to post-secondary education. Language teaching is different in that from the age of 5, pupils learn English as well as Maltese. Examinations are a major feature of the education system, with a very important exam at the age of 11 to determine the type of secondary schooling as well as final secondary exams at the age of 16.

2. How is ICT being implemented in Malta?
ICT has featured in our schools since 1996 when computers and the Internet began to be gradually introduced in all schools. In primary schools, ICT is used as a tool across the curriculum and all classrooms are equipped with four computers. ICT is taught as a subject in secondary schools but other subject teachers are encouraged to use ICT as well. In the near future, state schools will have their hardware replaced as most of it is becoming quite old now.
 
3. As eTwinning is now well into its third year, how has eTwinning impacted Maltese schools?
eTwinning has now become well known to teachers. I believe that it has given teachers who wanted to integrate ICT and an international collaborative dimension in their teaching the opportunity that they were after. A good number of teachers have registered and started to work on projects, many of which are very successful. Head teachers and educational authorities also appreciate the value eTwinning holds and support it and encourage participation.

4. What kind of projects are Maltese schools most often interested in?
There is a good mixture of projects in primary schools as well as in secondary schools. Since pupils at any level can communicate in English, this language is very often the medium for communication unless language teachers target another language specifically. Besides the more common culture-based projects, I was pleased to see projects about mathematics, physics and biology in which the cultural dimension is also evident but not the central theme.

5. Are there special eTwinning activities going on in Malta?
At the moment we are preparing for the first European Professional Development Workshop for this scholastic year which will be held here during the third weekend in October. For the eTwinning Weeks, we are planning an eCard competition with prizes for participating pupils as well as a head-teachers seminar and another round of teacher training for eTwinning.

6. Do you have any advice for teachers who wish to twin up with schools in Malta?
As with any other relationship, the key is to look for the right conditions. Teachers in general can be kept very busy with the regular curriculum and therefore it is very important that any project they are involved in contributes directly to the curricular aims. I also think that this strong curricular basis is much more important than the ICT tools that will be employed – as teachers tend to develop the skills they require as they progress in their partnership. I have seen many teachers discover and effectively use new technologies after getting involved in a project.

Are you interested in getting involved in an eTwinning project with a school in Malta?

• General information (Wikipedia)
• eTwinning projects
• National Support Service

Web Editor: Borgos Kari Published: 23.09.2008 Last changed: 12.08.2009