The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) expressed “serious preoccupation” about statements issued by “a leading political figure” during a political activity and an academic of the University of Malta on a programme aired on Monday on PBS concerning school hours.

The MUT said schooling hours in Malta compared well with the European average and actually fall on the higher side of the spectrum.

An increase in schooling hours may have a counter-productive effect and may alienate students from pursuing further academic attainment.

The MUT said that as it outlined in its memorandum to the political parties, improvement in the field of education can be attained mainly through smaller classes, an updated curriculum, greater curricular autonomy at the school level, better student services and more direct investment in educators and allied professionals.

“Schools are not baby-sitting institutions and if there is such a social need, this should be addressed differently and not by extending schooling hours,” the MUT said.