Preparing our students to leap : learning from the experiences of Maltese female adolescents in their transition to further education

Abstract

Further Education (FE) is almost a new venture on the Maltese Islands particularly for UK NVQ Levels 1 and 2. In 2001 the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) introduced the Foundation Certificate: A Further Education (FE) access course without entry requirements. Drawing mainly on the study by Ball et al. (2000), Evans’ concept of bounded agency (2002, 2007) and transition programmes by Sultana (1989), this chapter explores the transitory experience of female students from Compulsory to Further Education. Between 2007 and 2010 these students narrated their experiences prior to entry at MCAST, as students on the MCAST campus, during their work placements as well as on their workplace. This chapter focuses primarily on students’ experiences prior to entering FE. Findings indicate that students opting for FE are not given due importance with regard to preparing for transition. FE is also portrayed as a lesser option to traditional academic routes. Based on the literature reviewed and the analysis of findings in connection to students’ perceptions on their preparation, proposals assisting educational practitioners in helping adolescents for transition are presented.