schools again!

Corrin, I will be in Malta on Friday and will speak to some friends of mine (one of them is a teacher in a senior school and one has an 11 year old so both should have some idea of Malta schools)
Email me or call me. I promise to have a good look and ask around,
x

Hi Corrin,

Were you sending your child to private schools in England? You are no way 'out on a limb' if you are not Catholic here. While I appriciate they don't teach other religions in the early years, it is not shoved down your neck. They say a prayer in the morning, before lunch and sometimes before they go home, which isn't any different to my C of E as a child? You can also opt out of religous studies if you want.

As for play based learning, I have nothing to compare with as none of my children went to school in the UK. I have had the impression that the private schools here are MORE strict with education than state schools?

It will be a huge expence and friends of mine, the wife's income is soley for school fees and commitments.

The state schools here are really very good and shouldn't be overlooked until you have at least seen them/been there.

Anyway, I too will have an ask around for you and see what comes up!

Caroline

Ps, found this article it is 4 years old now but it gives an idea of the other expenses.

Also I was thinking, all government schools will be the same when it comes to teaching the younger years, so if you want play based learning, then private is your only choice.

our son 4  started at Chiswick House in San Gwann last year - very pleased so far, teachers and support staff are excellent.

HI,

All my kids go to San Andrea, which is a good school but sometimes the main focus is money and not the kids!! 

Look at http://mrcstpaulsbayprimary.wordpress.com/about/ its the local school in St Pauls Bay I have heard nothing but good things.

thanks chinook and everyone else for replying

I'm hearing good things about some of the government schools in the st clares group (sliema and surrounding areas) which is good because that's where we are hoping to move to first (probably sliema/st julians).

I think we will definitely have a look around those when we visit.

Also st catherines and st michaels have places, I haven't rung Chiswick so that's another one to check out, thanks for the suggestion. I will have a look at Newark too though I think my spirited boy might struggle with them not having any outdoor space.

Anyone else got any other suggestions or experiences with any of the government schools? As he will be starting school at the very beginning I don't mind him being in a bilingual school as long as theyre well set up for integrating children whose first language isn't maltese. We will be on the island for a minimum of 2 yrs ad if the children are to be able to make long term lives there I really think they need to learn the local lingo. Now is the best time for them to do it.

Thanks so much for all your support x

Sorry Caroline, missed your question, he wasn't going to private here, he is due to start in Sept this yr at a local village school where we had a 'flexi school' agreement (where he would attend part time and be home educated part time 50/50). This kind of an arrangement isn't an option Malta which is fine, we are just trying to find an option that will make the transition smooth for him . He currently goes to our local nursery 2 full days a week so when we move he will just continue with that or something similar where ever we find in malta. Thanks for your help, info and advice x

Corrin wrote:

Sorry Caroline, missed your question, he wasn't going to private here, he is due to start in Sept this yr at a local village school where we had a 'flexi school' agreement (where he would attend part time and be home educated part time 50/50). This kind of an arrangement isn't an option Malta which is fine, we are just trying to find an option that will make the transition smooth for him . He currently goes to our local nursery 2 full days a week so when we move he will just continue with that or something similar where ever we find in malta. Thanks for your help, info and advice x

He would be able to start in the Kinder of the school you decide on and that can be flexible, eg St. Clares.

My kids have been going to St. Paul's Primary (the one mentioned in a previous post.) I have had no problems with how they have been educated at all in the 8 years they have been going.
English is widely spoken, just like St. Clares. I think they are very similar schools because of the expat catchment. If you are living in Sliema,then St.Clares is the only government option.

Caroline

I think when we come to visit we will look at st pauls and sliema schools because we will also be trying to decide which area we want to rent in. That might be decided by the school if we like it . Does anyone go to the st julians government school?