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Education in Malta

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Being under British rule from 1814 to 1964, Malta would be naturally following the British school system. Primary school is the first stage Maltese children can freely avail should they be at least be 5 years of age. After completing the First Cycle of Primary School, the Second Cycle begins. At this time, the students are around 8 to 11-years-old.

After completing Primary School, Maltese students then may proceed to Secondary School which usually covers the 12 to 16 age bracket. The Secondary School of Malta has one of the finest curriculums in the world as its students can choose a third language to learn from. The most popular third language course being chosen by 51% of Maltese students is the Italian language. Next to Italian, French is also popular as 38% of the students like the romantic nature of the French language. Other languages that are offered in Secondary School are German, Spanish, Russian and Arabic.

Upon graduation from Secondary School, the students can take the option of pursuing tertiary schooling or vocational schooling. Of course a stringent college entrance exam called the Common Entrance Examination is needed to be passed before anyone can pursue a college or university degree.

According to the Ministry of Education, the prevailing curriculum up to the Secondary School is designed to equip Maltese students the flexibility to adapt to career changes should the need for it arises. Malta, although densely populated has still a small population and so it really needs to have a highly flexible labor force.

All eligible Maltese citizens can avail of free schooling up to the Secondary School. Maltese school year generally starts at October and ends in May.