From Mr R. Baldacchino

The De La Salle Brothers have made a priceless contribution to education in Malta since their arrival over a hundred years ago, and today their schools are run on sound pedagogical principles – principles that the new reforms in education will soon introduce in state schools.

We appreciate the clear vision that the Brothers had when they set up a College – made up of junior, secondary and sixth form – and proposed a go-through education that eliminates undue pressure and selectivity for eleven-year-olds.

The Brothers’ schools are exemplary: the students are not streamed, examinations are school-based and, above all, they are inclusive. How does it work? Only thanks to the resourcefulness, zeal, creativity and financial support provided by the Brothers.

In the primary school alone, the College has a system of support teaching to engage all students, as well as subject teachers to allow class teachers to meet regularly and plan their lessons.

Other “extras” include an Inclusion Coordinator, subject and year leaders and specialised teachers for drama, art, music, PE and ICT. Isn’t it time to acknowledge that such inclusive non-selective educational systems need more human and financial support?

Finally, if one were to ask whether such a college with a ballot system for entry into Year 1 can be successful, the answer is to look at our MATSEC results and compare them to the national level: they speak for themselves.

Ray Baldacchino

Chairman PTA

De La Salle College