Politics and educational change in post-war Malta 1945-1970

Abstract

Large scale educational reform was undertaken in Malta during the twentieth century, especially in the period following the Second World war. Major developments included the settling of the language question, the introduction of compulsory education in 1946, reform in the technical sector and at tertiary level, and the introduction of Secondary Education for All in 1970. Malta's educational system largely developed towards the end of the colonial era, when both the international and national situation were marked by unrest. This study is based an the premise that the changing politics of government, when applied ta education, have very significant repercussions an the structure and provision of education. It examines, from a historical perspective, the views of the major political parties on education, and the extent to which they were reflected and implemented in the actual reforms which took place.