Schools and their ethos

Abstract

The primary aim of the dissertation is not to define 'ethos', or how one can measure it, but to show how the strengths and weaknesses of some schools and their management affect the perception of the school by outsiders. The schools and staff visited and interviewed are a very small section of schools in Malta. Namely two church schools: Two state schools: St. Monica School, B'Kara, and Stella Maris College, Gzira, Lily of the Valley, Girls' Secondary School, Mosta. and Dun Mikiel Anton Vassalli Boys' J.L. Tal-Handaq, Qormi. Our visits, observations, interviews and questionnaires also covered three primary schools: Primary School 'C', Valletta, Primary School 'A', Qormi, and Dun Karm Scerri Primary School 'C', Naxxar. The research and analysis are concerned with the different school's 'Mission Statements', and their disciplinary code, the culture (sense and identity) of the school, all the partners and their relationships. It will also be involved with the school's environment and it's different styles and climates. The research has given an insight on the school's strengths and weaknesses, vision and leadership and consequently the image they project.