Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/286290
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 30 MARCH 2014 Evarist Bartolo Opinion 23 W e want to have a say in our own education". This message came out loud and clear during a consultation meeting held with students on the new education reform. It is most encouraging to see so many schoolchildren contributing to what could be the most important part of their lives. It is clear that students know what they want. They want participation and many spoke out with their recommendations and concerns. In fact, we set out to hear them out, rather than informing them of what us adults have decided for them. I was truly impressed with the level of students' preparation for this meeting. On co-education, one particular student from St. Benedict's College firmly believes that this will improve social interaction between boys and girls. He also believes that students will perform better in class and that co-education will benefit study levels. This student went as far as quoting statistics that show that whereas on average, 40% of girls manage to obtain six SEC subjects, only 14% of boys manage to do so. Although another student expressed some concerns on a number of challenges, overall the pupils seemed to welcome the co-ed concept, which will increase creativity and bring state schools in line with other international practices. An independent school student brought up the International Baccalaureate programmes. The IB programmes offer a broader education and are based more on how students learn than on content-based education. She asked: "In today's world, where knowledge becomes obsolete relatively quickly, are there any plans of introducing this IB system within government and independent schools?" The answer is yes; we have already started discussions on the implementation of similar programmes. Students also spoke at length about the number of options available to them, especially when they have to make a decision on specialisation at Form 3 level. They rightly believe that they should be given better guidance and information. Some feel that they should have the opportunity to change such options. One particular student spoke about the need to offer more technical and vocational subjects at that stage. Many believe that schools should give greater importance to physical activity, not only in practice but also in theory. We should handle the obesity problem and students believe that they should also be taught other life skills, such as First Aid, life-saving techniques, hygiene, manners and money management. "Art and drama should be given more importance", another pupil said. They gave a great deal of importance to personal social development (PSD) and that this should be more about respect, authority and manners. They were all in agreement when it comes to ethics classes - schools should allocate more lessons on the subject. One particular student remarked that public speaking and student debates should be held on regular basis. The importance of digital literacy was stressed. Pupils also spoke about the need to offer certain subjects, such as Accounts at secondary level, the possibility of having Maltese split into Grammar and Literature and about offering basic maths and basic science. "Technology should be given more importance", suggested one secondary school student. There seemed to be consensus on the need of more vocational training so that "more professionals can give the correct guidance on the careers available to us (students)". There were other issues that the students brought up. These included concerns about exams, both written and oral as well as about mixed ability classes, among others. We mean to address the students' needs since they are ultimately the end-users of our educational reform. This exercise was an important stage in the consultation process and I wish to thank all those students, teachers and parents whose viewpoint will surely contribute to an improved Education Act that will address the concerns of today and present a vision for the future. Evarist Bartolo is Minister for Education Many believe that schools should give greater importance to physical activity, not only in practice but also in theory Students taking charge of their education