Malta : physical education teacher education in Malta

Abstract

The Maltese Islands are located about 80 km to the south of Sicily, covering an area of 316 sq. km. with a population of 440,433 (National Statistics Office 2017). The official languages of the Maltese Islands are Maltese and English. Schooling is compulsory from 5 to 16 years (primary ranging from years 1 to 6, and post-primary ranging from years 7 to 11; in some sectors post-primary is further subdivided with middle comprising years 7 and 8, and secondary including years 9 to 11). The Maltese educational system comprises three types of schools, the Public sector, completely funded by the state; the Church sector, run by the Secretariat for Catholic Education, but also funded by the government (although parents are asked to pay a donation to cover expenses); and the Independent sector, run by Parent Foundations and funded only through fees paid for students' tuition. Entry into state schools is automatic, and children usually start in a kindergarten school in their locality. Entry into church schools is through a ballot at age 4 or 5 depending on the available places and at form 1 (year 7) at the age of 11. Entry into independent schools is through a registration system, which includes a fee.