Identifying benefits and addressing challenges faced by a Maltese school with a growing number of students from migrant backgrounds

Abstract

Maltese schools are currently experiencing a growing number of students with migrant background. This relatively recent phenomenon is offering educators and educational leaders new challenges. There has been very little local studies to help us understand this phenomenon and to show how schools can adequately address the more strategic importance of multicultural education. This study attempts to identify the benefits and challenges faced by a Maltese Secondary State School in the Northern region, a catchment area with a growing number of students from migrant backgrounds. The main aim of this research is to explore more deeply this phenomenon and gain an understanding of the types of leadership approaches and strategies school leaders adopt in order to address these challenges. A qualitative research design guides this study, involving collecting and analysing qualitative data from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The outcome of this research is a suggested plan of action to better address the needs of students with migrant background through various types of leadership approaches and strategies.