Tracing the development of primary Science education in Malta from the 1988 Education Act

Abstract

Science at Primary level is gradually accumulating importance in the local curriculum as it is recognized as one of the core subjects in primary. In addition, there is also a shift in the pedagogy used to deliver Science lessons from the transmission approach to the more hands inquiry-based learning approach. The aim of the study involved desk research to track the historical growth of Primary Science from the 1988 Education Act to date. The research questions focused on the developments in primary Science at policy level, and the importance given to the implementation of such policy. Additionally, the study also identified the challenges faced by primary Science during the same period. The methodology involved identifying and reviewing policy documents, dissertations, and also other publications related to primary Science in Malta. Results show that primary Science has gained importance with time. The view of what primary Science entails has also become more elaborated. These developments were also reflected in changes in pedagogies. However, certain challenges such as putting the policy into practice as well as providing teachers with continuous training and support, remained.