For example in Malta school failure was not very long ago rated as (41,6%), the very last country of Europe with regards to this indicator as per reliable studies in 2007.

Source: click here to open pdf (page 5)

As parents with some background in education and very concerned about pedagogy, my wife and me were doing some research trying to understand which of the existing educational models incorporate the concepts that many of the authorities in education agree today as essential in the kids’ education to prepare them for success in life, such as emotional intelligence, social intelligence, multiple intelligence, etc.

We discovered Waldorf education as one of these models, recommended by very expert people in the field. An educational model with the aim to prepare the person, not just to match in the society, but to be able to develop all her potential.

We would like to have this option for the education of our children in Malta, and we are looking for parents interested in this model of school.

You can find more info about the Waldorf school model at http://www.whywaldorfworks.org/ and if you are also interested in this type of education please contact Julián Sáez using email: waldorfmalta@gmail.com

Since being established in 1987, the Institute for Tourism Studies has grown and developed rapidly offering a vast range of courses to suit the changing needs of the industry.

Tourism like every other industry is not static so it is the duty of ITS to not only be aware of the current needs of the industry but to correctly train its students to meet them.

All this is reflected in their mission statement which states that:

“The Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS) aims to provide educational programmes in the field of Tourism. It seeks to identify and monitor customer needs and satisfaction and is responsible for providing the Hospitality Industry with personnel trained to international standards.”

In order to provide its students with the necessary skills and abilities, it places a great emphasis on actual experience in the industry. The majority of courses provided by the Institute of Tourism Studies include a practical aspect which gives the students the opportunity to gain experience in their fields outside of the classroom while also learning theoretical aspects of their respective fields.

In Malta there is a general misconception that all students who attend ITS are chefs-to-be. While ITS does provide a variety of courses which are related to food preparation it also offers courses in many other tourism related fields at various levels. These include:

• Higher Diploma in Hospitality Management
• Diploma in Hotel Operations
• Diploma in Food and Beverage Service
• Certificate in Tour Guiding
• Certificate in Accommodation Operations

They also provide various Part-Time courses such as ‘Starting with chocolate’, which offer in-depth knowledge in the art of chocolate making and different levels of Wines, Spirits Educational Trust (W.S.E.T)

Certain courses all provide the students with the valuable opportunity of a one-year international internship which gives the students the benefit of gaining further experience and knowledge in another country.

The Institute of Tourism Studies is also the home of one of the few remaining restaurants in Malta that offers silver service. The ‘Pembroke Suite restaurant’ opened within the ITS in 1991 to offer students an in-house opportunity to practice their food preparation and service skills. Usually one must expects to pay a fair sum of money to enjoy a silver service dining experience but this is not the case at the Pembroke Suite restaurant. A 3-course lunch costs a mere €15 and dinner costs €20 (excluding wines and spirits). Reservations are strongly recommended and a 50% deposit is required if you wish to book a table for 6 or more people. Opening hours are Monday to Friday for lunch from 12.30 hours – 14.00 hours, Wednesday evening for themed dinners, and on Thursday and Friday evenings for dinner from 19.30 hours – 22.30. Reservations can be made by telephone on 23793 333 between 0800 hours and 1600 hours.

Contact details for the Institute of Tourism Studies are the following:

Institute of Tourism Studies – Malta

Address: Bajja San Gorg, San Giljan STJ 02, Malta
Telephone: +356 23793231 – 5
Fax: +356 23793220
Email: help.its@gov.mt

Institute of Tourism Studies – Gozo

Address: Triq l-Isqof Buttigieg, Qala GSM 103, Gozo
Telephone: +356 21555373
Fax: +356 21555373

Currently, there are around 10,000 students, including about 750 foreign students from 60 different countries studying full or part-time degree and diploma courses. Each year approximately 2,500 students graduate from the University of Malta.

There are eleven faculties:

Arts; Built Environment; Dental Surgery; Economics, Management & Accountancy; Education; Engineering; Information & Communication Technology; Laws; Medicine & Surgery; Science and Theology.

The University website gives a full breakdown of courses available and associated entry requirements at http://www.um.edu.mt/sas/info

The University of Malta (L’Universita ta’Malta) main campus is situated at tal-Qroqq in Msida, right in the centre of Malta. It occupies an area of 195,000 square metres, with the library alone occupying 6,000 metres. There is also a Gozo campus on the sister island which runs part-time evening degree courses in Arts and Commerce subjects.

There is a University Residence in nearby Lija, approximately 4 kms away, providing University students and visitors with modern, fully serviced and comfortable accommodation.

Contact details:

University of Malta
Msida, Malta
Tel: +356 23 402340
Fax: +356 23 402342

Malta University Residence
R. Mifsud Bonnici Street, Lija
Tel: +356 21 436168
Fax: +356 21 434963

Junior College of Malta

The Malta Junior College, also referred to as 6th Form Malta, is an education faculty that prepares students for entrance into the highly rated European University of Malta.

G.F. Abela Junior College is located in Guze Debono Square in Msida, very close to the capital city of Malta, Valletta.

At the University of Malta Junior College, students can avail themselves to quality education, which will enable them to develop the skills required for tertiary level studies. It is precisely a 2 year course with the aim of preparing students for the Matriculation Certificate which is obligatory as per entry requirements of the Maltese University.

Before starting such course, students will need to choose their subjects, which must include:

• Systems of Knowledge;
• 3 Subjects at Intermediate Level;
• 2 Subjects at Advanced Level.

The first academic year at the Junior College of Malta, is divided into 3 terms starting on the 1st October and usually ends on the 3rd week of May. End of year tests are held at the end of May or beginning June. During the year, the courses stop for a short break during Christmas and Easter period only. The second year of studies is slightly shorter and ends at the beginning of April.

Students can choose from a variety of subjects, which are classified under Languages, Information Technology, Sciences and Humanities. Some of most common subjects are Maltese, English, Accounts, Computing, Mathematics and Biology. Within the college one will find a library, computer rooms, science labs, a fully equipped canteen and a fitness center.

During their time at the Malta Junior College, students will become familiar with the University of Malta campus too, since it’s part of the same education complex. If you’re looking for information about the entry requirements to the Junior College, orientation sessions or latest news, feel free to leave a comment below and will be glad to investigate further and assist you.