As Malta’s Federation representing English language teaching organisations, FELTOM has always advocated in favour of securing the highest standards in the teaching of English as a language. This is why FELTOM welcomes the recent announcement that Cambridge University will be collaborating with Government to seek ways to improve English proficiency in Malta’s schools, the federation said in a statement.
Malta is constantly seeking ways how to improve and strengthen its major economic pillars amongst which, one finds tourism and financial services. Beyond the infrastructural improvements that contribute towards a better overall product, proficiency in the spoken and written English language remains a priority which many times is overseen. As a country, Malta has always acknowledged that our proficiency in English has always been a key factor in promoting Malta as an ideal destination both for leisure and for business and investment purposes.
To retain our competitiveness, we need to keep improving our capabilities to communicate in a proficient manner with all those who visit or who want to establish business collaborations with us.
At FELTOM, we constantly ensure that standards are of a high level. Our schools are constantly investing in the best English language tutors and as FELTOM, our accreditation system to includes teaching and learning standards.
FELTOM’s member schools contribute to over 85% of persons who visit Malta purposely to study English. These visits, which last year increased by another 3.41%to 77,550 students, reflect the importance that this sector has to Malta’s overall tourism product. Over and above this, the sector also sees the involvement of around 2,300 gainfully occupied people as well as over 1000 licensed families who host students in their homes.If Malta wants to see this sector grow, our English language standards have to be safeguarded and keep improving.
FELTOM reiterates its position and willingness to contribute and support this Government initiative to improve English in schools.