'For all children to succeed' : the initial phases : a review of one college in the education sector

Abstract

The education system in Malta has experienced several reforms, all targeted towards the upgrading and updating of the educational services provided to students. The policy document named "For all Children to Succeed" was published in 2005 and proposed the introduction of colleges into the Maltese education system. This reform has put into action a system of decentralization and networking between schools. The main objective of this qualitative study is to analyse the transition to the college system within the educational system from the point of view of school administrators within one particular college. Semi-structured interviews were used to expand the study and gather the data required. Personal experience of heads of schools helped to shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of this networking system. Also problem areas were identified and recommendations which transpire from findings are put forward. The analysis of the data demonstrates that this policy has put the schools in a better position to target students' individual needs. However, pastoral care for students is still open for discussion due to the amalgamation of schools. The college principal is providing heads with a higher degree of support. The data gathered shows that this policy has been generally accepted by the heads of schools albeit a lack of human and financial resourcing. The objective of each college to be a corporate body with its own distinct legal personality is still a distant one. Collaboration and pooling of resources between schools has maximized the benefits and opportunities for all stakeholders. This study outlines the fact that in certain circumstances heads have experienced more bureaucracy. Overall this research shows strong indications that this reform may provide a quality leap in the Maltese educational system.