Inside/Outside Schools: Towards a Critical Sociology of Education in Malta [Book review]

Abstract

I would like to share my reactions to this collection of readings by referring to my experience of schools and education in Malta. In recent years, I have made three visits to the islands as an external examiner, going to about 50 classrooms in 30 state and non-state schools to observe student-teachers in action. What has struck me during these visits is the warmth, generosity and vitality of the Maltese people, the richness of Malta's cultural heritage reflected in its language, buildings, towns and villages, customs, and traditions. Despite the obvious changes the islands are going through, there is a stable Catholicism which permeates many aspects of people's lives. For some it underpins faith and beliefs; for others it may simply be a taken for granted part of the culture.