Curriculum issues in small states

Abstract

Each small state has its own, national education system. The national aims and objectives for education in small states are couched in very similar terms to those of larger countries. The aspirations of individual citizens and the development objectives of the state are not inherently different from those in large countries. Why then do the education systems of small states deserve special or separate attention? What is of particular interest is how the small nation-state can develop and manage educational services and opportunities given the constraints and the benefits to which national smallness of scale gives rise. In some instances the responses to this challenge of scale are leading to organizational and institutional forms which depart from the theory and practice of education in larger countries. Small systems are severely constrained in their ability to offer a full range of specialist facilities and options, across the system, and within individual institutions, especially at the upper end of the formal system. It is difficult to offer a range of specialist support services. Ministries cannot encompass the range of specialist units and departments which characterize larger systems. It is the nature of the structural, organizational and institutional responses to the limitations and opportunities of smallness of scale that is at the heart of growing international interest in the educational development of small states. Currently, a number of exercises are focusing on structural reform in small-state education systems, exploring new models, linkages and co-operative endeavours, to increase the range of educational provision and opportunity, for countries which are, and will be, heavily dependent on their human resources for national development. Administrators and managers are multifunctional. Post-secondary institutions are often multi-purpose. Linkages have to be developed to access educational opportunities abroad - a characteristic of all small states. This article explores education curricula in small states, including the challenges, opportunities and developments that being a small state inevitably present.