The implementation of the National Minimum Curriculum in the primary schools : a Head Teacher's perspective

Abstract

The study sets out to examine the role of the head teachers in the primary school in the implementation of the National Minimum Curriculum, which has been introduced in Malta in 1988. A sample of twelve head teachers, representing both state and private schools, reflected on their day to day practice by using the Management Profile Log (M.P.L., a sample of which is found in Appendix A), as the research instrument for a period of one month. The different aspects and the meaning of the word curriculum are looked into. The reasons for adopting a curriculum are also set out against the centralised nature of the Maltese educational system. The rise of a National Minimum Curriculum for Malta is outlined. A theoretical analysis of the head teachers' role and work as well as the role and function of the primary school is also discussed. The findings of the study and what information the M.P.L. yielded about the tasks of head teachers and their roles in curriculum implementation is analysed against the framework of existing theoretical 'beliefs'. Finally, the study attempts to recommend ways in which educators can adopt methods to embark on effective curriculum development, in order that the aims of education set out in the curriculum are satisfied.