Updated | Absenteeism down 16% in 2014 scholastic year

Gozitan students recorded the lowest average number of absences, with 9.8 days per student

Total absences for students attending primary and secondary schools during academic year 2013/2014 amounted to 597,239 days, equivalent to an average of 13.0 absent days per student.

In total, the number of absences recorded during academic year 2013/2014 decreased by 15.9 per cent when compared with the previous year. Total authorised absences decreased by 24.6 per cent and made up 54.9 per cent of total absences. Total unauthorised absences also showed a decrease of 2.2 per cent.

The average number of absences during the period under review stood at 13.0 days per student, decreasing by 2.4 per cent when compared with levels for the previous academic year. On average students recorded 7.2 days of authorised and 5.9 days of unauthorised absence in one scholastic year.

In absolute terms, male students recorded higher levels of absenteeism when compared to their female counterparts: most of these were classified as authorised. The average level of absence among males was found to be higher or equal to that of females for all levels of education.

Student absenteeism in state schools decreased by 22.4 per cent during 2013/2014. Most of these absences were unauthorised. Unauthorised absences in state schools decreased by 4.9 per cent. In contrast church and independent schools saw a drop in authorised absences and an increase in unauthorised absences.

Students of all ages recorded lower levels of absence during the scholastic year 2013/2014.

The lowest absence levels were recorded among nine year olds at 8.1 days. On the other hand 16 year olds held the highest average levels of absenteeism.

Students attending state schools located in Gozo and Comino registered the sharpest drop in their absence levels (49.9 per cent). On average, students attending state schools located in the South Harbour district accumulated the highest average number of absences (20.1 days per student), while Gozitan students recorded the lowest average number of absences with 9.8 days per student.

The Ministry for Education said that more measures adopted by the government will continue to help in the decrease of absenteeism.

Since 2009, the number of public employees in student support services has increased and the engagement of this additional staff has allowed for a more focused approach to students.

Malta, it said, was one of a small number of countries in Europe which has increased its educational budget and its headcount in the past years.

This increase in staff also allowed for colleges to have their own inter-disciplinary teams which allow tackling the different social realities within the community.

A wider educational system

Since 2013, the ministry introduced a number of policies which allows for more possible pathways for students to uptake. Vocational education has played an important role in this, with the Alternative Learning Programme and the introduction of vocational subjects at secondary level being among the main reforms.

Tackling unauthorised school absences

During the 2013 summer months, a number of social workers conducted office visits and most of the parents of primary school children were absent from school for more than 20 unauthorised days during scholastic year 2012-2013. These parents/guardians were notified through a letter of an office visit scheduled with the social worker held at the respective schools or office. Close monitoring of these students was maintained throughout the following scholastic years.

This is just one step along the way

The decrease in absenteeism rates is a positive step however reforms in the educational sector are by no means ending here. Providing a meaningful and accredited educational path is just as important as having students attend school. As absenteeism rates continue to decrease the shift in focus will be in providing an education that is in touch with today’s younger people and offers them an engaging way to reach their potential.