Streaming in Maltese primary schools : determinants and effects in year IV

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate sex and age differences in streaming year IV primary school pupils. Sex differences were also studied in the context of attainment in Maltese, Mathematics and English. Data was gathered from 12 Maltese primary schools which in all comprised 1469 pupils. The major variables are the sex and age of each pupil as well as their stream classification in the scholastic years 1983-84 and 1984-85. Their attainment in the three subjects in the annual examinations of July '84 were also recorded. Results show that sex is a major determinant in streaming year IV pupils. Streaming in year IV was found to be particularly favourable to girls as well as to 'old' boys. In 1984, there was a mobility of 15.4% with 13.2% promotions and 9.8% demotions. Girls were found to have a 4.3% greater chance of being promoted to a better stream than boys.