Absenteeism in primary schools

Abstract

Absenteeism, as a problem, has always been connotated with the secondary sector, particularly with trade schools. Although a substantial number of research studies have been carried out in order to investigate this problem, yet up to now, absenteeism in primary schools has barely been considered as a problem by local authors. This study, which covers a cross section of schools in the Maltese islands, was carried out in such a way that those involved with absenteeism were consulted, namely: the pupils themselves, their teachers and head teachers as well as the Education Social Workers who deal with pupils having a problem of school attendance. Analysing the attendance records resulted in the identification of those pupils who absented excessively. In turn, these pupils' end of year results were obtained so as to see how attendance affected their scholastic performance. Furthermore, the underlying reasons for their excessive absence was investigated. The data obtained was analysed and interpreted accordingly. Finally, one must note that, according to this study, absenteeism in primary schools is a problem even though it does not affect different areas in the same manner.