The discontinuation of the comprehensive system in Malta : lasting consequences [2]

Abstract

Sultana (1997) lists the local features of selection and channeling among areas of concern in the local educational system. The system has traditionally been one which promotes the 'talented' few while discarding the rest (Darrnanin, 1992) and is characterized by 'the constant closure of opportunities from the very early years of primary schooling' (Sultana, p.1(6). Local research evidences how students ale continually 'weeded out' of the system on criteria which have nothing to do with their real 'talent' For instance Trade School students are very much more likely to come from a disadvantaged working class background(Sultana, 1991a). Again the younger students at primary level have more chance of ending up in a lower stream (Borg &;Falzon, \995) and their performance in the 11+ selective examinations is still likely to be worse than that of the older ones even when the length of exposure ID formal schooling is controlled for (Borg,Falzon &; Sammut, 1995). And even though Maltese girls generally perform better than boys in local examinations (Borg, 1994), they still find it harder ID make it through selectivity and many end up achieving below their potential (Darmanin, 1992).