play based learning?

Corrin wrote:

Hi, we are possibly moving with my husbands job to malta in the new year.

I was wondering whether there are many primary school options which offer play based learning in malta? This is the type of school we were hoping for my son to attend in the UK. learning through fun, not too structured, lots of free play in the early yrs gradually moving to more sit down study later on. I really believe in an unstrucytred education when theyre small but I get the impression maltese education might be more traditional?

So if we are looking for a relaxed, playbased, English speaking, secular education are there any options? And if I cant get all those things what's the closest option available?

I don't know about the private sector and I can only comment on the governmant side.

Nearly all Maltese children start full time school at 3 (2 years 9 months is the earliest intake.) It is provided free but not compulsory.
I have had 3 children go through Kinder here. It is structured but still very much focused on free play. It will be in English and Maltese. To be honest, bringing your child up to just speak English, will be a serious drawback for them in the future and to not give them full access to the language would be damaging.
Lessons are loosly based on education, usually in the way of theme weeks, colours, shapes, numbers etc. Kinder 2 will start pre-writing.
From Year 1, aged 5 and compulsory, it will be very focused on education through the '3 R's' including homework. Number and letter writing mainly. There is still time for play but not how you describe it.
I understand your concerns, however, the Maltese education and disipline, far exceeds UK standards at the same age but it is very against what you believe in.
I would have thought, that in the private sector, this would be the standard there too, if not more.
Maybe someone will be able to advise more on the private side...

Verdala International school is very much free play in the Kinder years- that is my knowledge but it is only based on what friends have told me. There is also a Montessori Nursery in Kappara (I think).
My daughter is in Government school and Coxf001 has explained very well how things are. It is also worth bearing in mind that school here finishes at an earlier time than in the UK and that the summer holidays are for at least 3 months- In my opinion, there is plenty of time for free play and activities then.

thanks for both your replies.

Don't worry. I am very keen for my children to speak Maltese. I would just prefer my son to start at a school where the main subjects are taught in English while he is still transitioning.

My friend who is Maltese was saying school finishes at 1pm. Is that widely the case? If it is i'm a lot less worried because he will obviously have loads of time outside of school for play.

What are the timings for a typical day at school?

Corrin wrote:

thanks for both your replies.

Don't worry. I am very keen for my children to speak Maltese. I would just prefer my son to start at a school where the main subjects are taught in English while he is still transitioning.

My friend who is Maltese was saying school finishes at 1pm. Is that widely the case? If it is i'm a lot less worried because he will obviously have loads of time outside of school for play.

What are the timings for a typical day at school?

St Paul's Bay school is not typical with it's times and I think the only school to be an hour earlier than the rest. School starts at 07:30/07:45 and finishes at 13:15/13:30. From June 1st they finish at 11:30 for the month with summer holidays then starting at end of June 'til end of September. It is my belief that other schools start and finish 1 hour later than these times.

Yes, that is not typical. Gzira primary starts at 8.15 and finishes  2-2.15 pm depending on the age of the child. From 1st June they finish at 12. I have visited couple of private schools on behalf of a friend last week and in general they have they same hours finishing at 1.30-2 pm.

You should not worry about transition, my 5.5yo son did not speak a word of Maltese at the beginning of this school year (not much English either) and he is at the top of his class in all subjects. Even though he can not communicate in Maltese or English fluently he still got 5* for spelling, writing and comprehensions:) (they start with Maltese alphabet, but they learn the numbers in English)

An other good news for non-English speaking foreign students. The authorities started to address their needs and for example Saint Clare College is now offering EFL classes for them. In practice the school bus picks them up from their local school and takes them to Pembroke for two hours EFL every day then they join their class for the rest of the day.