Paolo Pullicino’s education legacy

Abstract

Canon Dr. Paolo Pullicino (1815–1890) is beyond doubt the first important name in the history of local educational development. He is responsible for laying the foundations of the administrative structure of the school system, for expanding the curriculum, and for introducing several important innovations. Having no worthy predecessor, he had to organise a system of education from scratch, wielding power and authority to an extent never again to be enjoyed by any future incumbent of his post. Appointed Professor of Primary Instruction at the University of Malta and Chief Director of Primary Schools on July 1 1850, at a time when the reputation of the schools and the system of education was at its lowest ebb, the governor R. More O’Ferrall recommended him because he was most zealous in the cause of education. Criticism hurled at both the government and the education authorities was severe, at times even vitriolic. Teaching, conducted in Italian, was disorganised and lifeless, teacher training inexistent, school buildings in a miserable condition, and the administration of the schools chaotic. The authorities were blind to their responsibilities in fostering popular education at a time of political discontent, and when the public generally viewed education with apathy and indolence. In 1836 there were only two elementary schools in Malta and one in Gozo—and it is known that these first schools were doing more harm than good. The treatment of disciplining young minds in a barbarous way and the ludicrous method adopted in communicating elements of knowledge using the monitorial system, were the main topics discussed by ‘A Maltese’—one of the many critics of the time: “The children were kept for hours lounging and yawning in an ill ventilated room… The monitors teaching catechism were superintended by a priest… The visitors were deafened by noise on approach.”