Education : discourse and action in the Maltese Legislature, 1921-1947

Abstract

This study is built around the education system between the 1921 and 1947. It gives a clear view that educational systems do not grow by chance. It reflects a number of contemporary theories and notions amongst them the function and action of the government and so on. This dissertation gives a better understanding of the education development during this period by looking at the part played by the legislature. This was achieved by delving into the debates, discourses and legislative actions in the Maltese legislature. This period is marked with three important ordinances - the paripassu ordinance of 1923, the compulsory attendance ordinance of 1924 and the compulsory education ordinance of 1946. All this was finally put into the context of the economic, social and political situation of this period.