PN slams government’s lack of consultation on co-ed schools

Nationalist education spokesperson Joe Cassar has lambasted the government's plans to implement co-education in secondary schools and to introduce middle schools, citing the lack of consultation and social-impact studies as the bone of contention.

"While pilot projects on these reforms are yet to be finalised, Evarist Bartolo is defiant on introducing them in all colleges from next September," Joe Cassar argued.

In April, Minister Bartolo announced the first co-ed secondary public school. As from next year, boys attending St Clare's college will be gradually integrated into the Pembroke Secondary school.

"The reforms of co-education and middle schools will leave a drastic impact on the Maltese education system. However, the government is yet to conduct a social impact study and moreover, it has not embarked on a consultation process with the relevant stakeholders," Cassar argued.

The former health minister said this is an all-familiar feeling for teachers and teachers, as the government failed to consult with them prior to announcing the introduction of tablets in primary schools.

"The Education minister is the same man who vehemently lambasted the previous PN governments for the 'reform fatigue' within the education system."

Joe Cassar insisted that the Opposition is not against the scheme, but rather it is urging the government to consult the reforms with all relevant stakeholders, namely teachers' unions, parents, students and learning support assistants prior to implementing the reforms.

On the middle schools - a reform which will see Forms One and Two seperate from older classes - the Shadow minister said that the middle schools should be integrated in the same building of the secondary schools.

"In line with Evarist Bartolo's plans, students are expected to experience a move from primary to middle schools and from middle school to secondary school, two major changes in a matter of three years that could negatively effect the children in such a crucial age," Cassar continued.