Streaming in Maltese primary schools

Abstract

This article examines some of the effects of streaming in the primary school. Sex and age differences in stream placement and in stream transfer rate are investigated. The past three decades have seen the widespread introduction of mixed-ability classes in practically all European countries. In fact, very few countries still retain some form of officially imposed streaming practice before the age of eleven. Malta is one of those few European countries where the streaming of primary school pupils on the basis of attainment is practised on a national scale. As a result of the current schooling situation in Malta and in view of the dearth of empirical studies (during the last two decades) about the dynamics and effects of streaming, the present authors and a group of their B.Ed. (Hons) students have embarked on a number of empirical studies. The purpose of these studies was to investigate some of the determinants and effects of the nationally based practice of streaming primary school children on the basis of performance in school subjects. This article proposes a synopsis of the major findings concerning age and sex differences in stream transfer.