The impact of bilingual education : a case study with a Year 2 class in a Maltese primary school

Abstract

'This study investigates the impact of bilingual education (Maltese and English) on a Year 2 class of an English-speaking Private School, henceforth called St. Nicholas' School, as well as the language policy implemented on a day-to-day basis in this school. 'This is done through lesson analyses. It also looks at the perceptions of the three class teachers of Year 2 and the Head of School. The literature review deals with bilingualism and bilingual education, with particular reference to the National Minimum Curriculum (1999). It also looks at the results of the Second National literacy Survey (2002), and St. Nicholas' SDP. The empirical research consists of ten observation lessons in Maltese, English and Maths, their recording and transcription. These are analysed in detail in order to determine language use in class, code switching and the pupils' language skills in Maltese and English. A questionnaire is also used in order to obtain information about the language background and functional bilingualism of the Year 2 pupils at home. Besides, three written interviews by the Year 2 class teachers, and another written interview by the Head of St. Nicholas' School, provide useful information about bilingualism and bilingual education as understood by the respondents themselves and in relation to the school policy.