Malta

Mgarr

Mgarr

Malta

Mgarr is a picturesque rural settlement situated in the north-west of the island.

Mgarr

Primary School

The school was officially named after a long-standing headmaster who had assiduously served both education in Malta in general, and Mgarr Primary in particular.

Ganni A.Cilia

Primary School

Mgarr

Malta

Ganni A. Cilia

Primary School

Mgarr

Malta

mgarr.primary.c@gov.mt

Population: 235 children(almost all speak Maltese at home)

3,4 YEARS –KINDERGARTEN:

NOT OBLIGATORY : 50

5-11 Primary school years

Obligatory: 185

Year 1 : 25Year 2s: 36Year 3 : 21Year 4s: 40Year 5s: 31Year 6s: 32

Principle 10

The Strengthening of Bilingualism in Schools

The National Minimum Curriculum considers bilingualism as the basis of the educational system. This document regards bilingualism as entailing the effective, precise and confident use of the country’s two official languages: Maltese, the national language, and English. This goal must be reached by the students by the end of their entire schooling experience.

The practice encouraged by the National Minimum Curriculum is that which can be found in all other European countries: knowledge of foreign languages is developed following one’s knowledge of the native and national language, Maltese.

The process of strengthening Maltese, the language used by the majority of Maltese children in their home and community environment, contributes to their holistic development. …

While students are in the process of strengthening the first language, the school must ensure that the children are familiarising themselves with the second language. … p. 37

Summary of questionnaire repliesBackground information11 respondents (5 years 1-3 ; 6 years 4-6)Teachers’ home language as children was MalteseTeachers’ school language as students was mainly Maltese with some EnglishTeachers’ current use of language outside school, mainly Maltese with a couple of exceptionsPupils’ language is largely standard Maltese; some know the dialect and use it variably; isolated cases of English speakersTeachers feel confident in using both languages in the classroom; but some have explained why and when they use either one or the other

During Religion, Maltese, Social StudiesMALTESE – NMC, syllabus, textbooks, exams, local topics.helps them understand and participateDuring MathematicsEnglish, 4 teachers referred to the use of c-s when necessaryTextbooks in English: from not very difficult to quite difficult; most teachers stressed the need for teachers to explain clearlyDuring EnglishEnglish; 2 teachers mentioned the need to use Maltese occasionallyDuring Science6 mentioned both Maltese and English5 said EnglishOther subjectsPE – 4 said English; 2 said both; 1 said MalteseIT – 2 said bothCrafts – 3 said both; 1 said MalteseCodeswitching10 teachers said they use it when necessary to ensure pupil understanding

CommentsMgarr pupils are not exposed to English outside the school environment;There are individual differencesComparison with other schoolsNot too different; in private schools children are more exposed to English.

The results of the questionnaire are in line with what is stated in the National Minimum Curriculum.

Teachers’ personal policyMainly concerned with exposing children to English since they lack this outside the school;Use of Maltese when necessary.

Where do we go from here?

Extract from our School Development Plan 2005/2006.

KEY AREA Teaching and learning –

Bilingualism across the curriculum

PRIORITY

TARGETSexpected

outcomes

1. To increase the learner’s exposure to the English language.

2. Use more educational videos and books in English with structured follow up activities.

3. Drama activities to boost the pupils’ self confidence in using English.

IMPLEMENTATION

STRATEGIES

specific action

1. More use of the reading room.

2. Apply for a language assistant through Comenius, applications are in February and the assistant would be a native speaker.

3. E-mail correspondence with Maltese and English children.

PERSONNELRESPONSIBLE

The whole School

The drama teacher

ICT teacher/centre