Schools’ disciplinary code to be reviewed - Bartolo

The schools' code of discipline needs to be reviewed, in consultation with teachers, educators, students and parents, education minister Evarist Bartolo.

"We do not advocate discipline which comes down on student like a tonne of bricks but we need to review the code of discipline, otherwise if we have no order and discipline in our schools all proposed reforms would be useless," Bartolo said.

While noting that 22% of students are in poverty or in risk of poverty, Bartolo pointed out the need to work with civil society to tackle the roots of the disciplinary problems which lay beyond the school doors.

He added that in one particular primary school 80% of students were referred to support agencies such as Appogg and in one other primary school a number of ten year olds were had not attended school in a long time because they were supporting their families by having to work.

"I do not want to sound alarmist, because a lot of good work is being done and at the risk of sounding corny the best way to deal with such social cases is by loving these children and this is certainly being done by our teachers."

The minister said the code alone will not be enough to prevent such cases of abuse, but it would set the tone for creating a positive learning environment and make students eager to go to school

"I have received reports of unacceptable behaviour at a number of schools and we need to send a clear message that the educational system needs to be based on respect for the benefit of students and educators alike"

Sexual harassment, foul language at primary level, students carrying knifes, were among the abuses reported.

"I don't want to be misinterpreted, this is not a case of a civil war at schools, but problems need to be addressed. We have the responsibility to ensure that educational experience in our schools is stimulating educating and interesting."

The education minister said that such cases were isolated but on the increase, adding that it is important to launch this process and hold a wide consultation process to review the eleven year old code.

"We have no intention of humiliating kids but we need to emphasise the fact that students have rights and responsibilities," Bartolo said.

Stressing the need for a clear and compact code which reaches the right balance between adults and children, Bartolo said that teachers felt that they were always found guilty unless proved innocent and the government will be addressing this situation with the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT).

Bartolo added that the parents cooperation was important and said that the education ministry was also considering the creation of a parents body, on recommendation of MUT.

He also stressed the importance of middle schools which would address the lacking sense of community in the recently firmed colleges which have very large student populations. 

MUT president Kevin Bonello said the union would be directly involved, stressing the urgent need to review the code of discipline,

"We have always maintained that teachers have right to learn and teachers have a right to teach."

He said that incidents in which students abuse of their fellow students and teachers were increasing, as were cases of cyber bullying. 

Bonello explained that last week alone, three incidents were reported with one particular case being investigated by the police following serious death threats to a lecturer at Mcast 

While noting that these incidents were isolated, Bonello said that the necessary structures need to be in place to ensure that teachers and students feel safe and protected.

Bonello added that there was no available statistics on cases of abuse but added that such an exercise was needed.