The development of government primary schooling in Rabat, Gozo (1836-2000)

Abstract

Up to the early seventeenth century, Rabat was the only inhabited centre of Gozo and, naturally, the first school was located in Rabat This dissertation will deal with the development of education in Rabat, through an in-depth study of this school. The present school was built during the British Rule and it has made great progress since then. Initially, the school operated as a primary Boys' School. After a reform brought about by the 183 6 Royal Commission it began to cater for both boys and girls as two separate schools. Eventually an Infants' school was also included. The organisation of the school and its development will be analysed from its beginning to present times. After World War II there was a baby boom and the introduction of compulsory education, which led to radical changes in the school. This study will also include statistics about the school population through the years and interviews with persons who were directly involved with the school. This dissertation, through the case study of Rabat, the main town of Gozo, will thus give a general idea of the development of primary schooling in Gozo.