Report on a visit to San Anton School and De La Salle College : 3rd – 14th November, 1999

Abstract

"Malta's Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to the type of education he or she desires. The Education Act of 1988 consolidated this commitment and obliges the government to ensure the existence of a system of schools and institutions accessible to all Maltese citizens catering for the full development of the whole personality" (Farrugia C. 1989). Education plays an important role in the life of future citizens. Parents realise that the choice of school will have a great effect in the education of their children. In Malta, parents have three choices: State schools, Church schools or Independent schools. In my study, which centres on children of Primary school age, I have interviewed Members of Parliament, the Assistant Director for Church and Independent Schools and Heads and Assistant heads from Church and Independent Schools to obtain information about the number of children attending the various schools. I attempted to investigate through a questionnaire: • Why parents chose a particular primary school • How they managed to get their child into the school • Whether the school is meeting their expectations. My Visits I decided to take a closer look at an Independent school and a Church school and find out why there is such a demand for these schools. I spent the first week of November 1999 at San Anton School l-lmselliet, and the second week at De La Salle College Cottonera. As my time was limited, I concentrated mainly on the primary section or middle school. I observed the organisation and management of these schools, as well as aspects of schoolwork and teacher roles. I have been able to follow the staff and children closely. Among the topics I touched upon were: • The history of the school and the school building • Administration of the school • The role of the Head of school • The vision and ethos of the school • Curricular and extra-curricular activities including Support Programmes and Special Needs • Discipline • Pastoral care • Parental participation As a result of my research and visit to the two schools, I tried to find out why there seems to be a big demand for Church and Independent schools, and whether these demands are justified.