Setting up the Malta Further Education Forum

Every year, approximately 4000 students finish compulsory schooling and have the option to continue their education. Further education has developed and expanded substantially over the years. However, the full-time post-compulsory education sector has for many years remained ‘no man’s land’ as a sector of education sandwiched between compulsory education and higher education structures.

Despite the differences between different educational settings, the educational needs of young students can vary depending on their individual interests, abilities, and talents. However, they need to be prepared for higher education, to explore career options, and to develop critical thinking skills. Young students also need support to flex their independence muscles, take on new responsibilities, and develop their social and emotional stamina.

On 25 May 2023, the Malta Further Education Forum (MFEF) was launched during a first meeting. The first meeting was co-hosted by the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and the Junior College. During the meeting, the participants discussed the rationale, the modus operandi, and the objectives of the platform.

The aim of the Forum is to identify and address common problems and develop coordinated solutions that are more effective than isolated efforts. It will also strive to share best practices and help other departments or programmes adopt similar practices and improve their outcomes. It will coordinate efforts to address the issues effectively and toward a common goal and improve communication and help reduce duplication of effort and improve efficiency. The Forum will develop a shared vision and approach where all FEIs are working together toward a common goal: to increase the chances of success for our student body, to reduce drop outs and to ensure that students receive a holistic education of high quality.

The Forum is made up of all Further Education Institutions offering full-time education programmes to students leaving compulsory education. These are the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, the University of Malta Junior College, the Institute of Tourism Studies, the Guze Ellul Mercer 16+, the Sir MA Refalo Sixth Form, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, De La Salle College Sixth Form, St Aloysius College Sixth Form, St Martin’s College Sixth Form, St Edward’s College Sixth Form, and Verdala International School.