Mission Statement

The Department of Planning and Development aims to enhance the Maltese educational system through qualitative and quantitative planning resulting from structured research as required by progressive educational trends and to ensure that education in Malta attains the required levels and standards including the provision of schools conforming to these standards.

In order to achieve this aim, the following professional and management staff is at the service of the department:

Table 1: Professional Staff 2007

a	M	F
Director	1	0
Head of Infrastructure	1	0
Assistant Directors	2	0
Education Officers	2	0
a	6	0

During the course of the year, the Director, the Head of Infrastructure and an Education Officer retired from service and were not replaced.

Main Responsibilities of the Department

The main responsibilities of this department are:

•	To co-ordinate the policies of the Education Division;
•	To continually develop new initiatives, aimed at planning for the improved quality of education and to ensure their proper and timely implementation;
•	To monitor the implementation of strategic and operational plans to ensure quality quantity, timeliness and results in relation to planned objectives and expected outcomes;
•	To initiate research proposals within the Department of Planning and Development in collaboration with other departments, the University of Malta and other institutions so as to design programmes for qualitative planning and international benchmarking of the Maltese system;
•	To oversee the development of a comprehensive research and statistics function, ensuring that records and data are kept current and disseminated in a timely fashion;
•	To oversee the compilation of a hierarchical management information system that assists senior managers in their decision making activities;
•	To prepare and monitor forecasts of school population growth and school population mobility, and to set up and organise appropriate research work for this purpose, so as to satisfy any policy requirements of the Education Division;
•	To liaise with the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools so as to draw up a plan detailing the required capital works and maintenance works to respond to such school population shifts and demands. Such planning decision will also be reflected in the business plan submissions that will be prepared on a yearly basis and which shall be updated regularly;
•	To monitor progress in all capital projects and maintenance works;
•	To continually promote Health and Safety in all State schools;
•	To establish and foster good working relationships with external stakeholders including Local Councils and MEPA;
•	Devolution to schools of funds for maintenance, materials and supplies from the Recurrent Vote, and the procurement of furniture and equipment from the Capital Vote according to the decentralisation policy of the Division.

PLANNING AND RESEARCH BRANCH

During 2007, the Branch was responsible for the managing of the following:

Statistics Unit

The compilation and analysis of statistical data is a central activity of the branch. Data is collated from both state and non-state schools as well as from post-compulsory institutions. Data mainly focusing on pupils/students and teaching staff is collated on a quarterly basis. The analysis of data provides objective indicators utilized for planning of educational initiatives and policy formulation by all departments within the division. Data is made available, on request to researchers, the media as well as to local and international agencies. During 2007, the Branch carried out a number of sufficiency assessments of schools. These were carried out in connection with the integration of Primary Schools A and B into Primary C schools, the migration of V. Bugeja Boys' Secondary School to San Frangisk D'Asissi Boys' Secondary School. V. Bugeja was refurbished to accommodate the first student intake into the Boys' Junior Lyceum of Maria Regina College.

The Planning and Research Branch drafted working documents regarding the upgrading and extension works in government schools, to meet the demand created by shifts in the population. Changes in the curriculum and the evolving educational experience being given to pupils in state schools also increases demands for new facilities in schools.

The Planning and Research Branch, together with the Department of Operations and MITTS continued to develop the Schools Data Management System which will generate electronic transfer of data regarding pupils and students from schools to head office. This system will improve data quality and reliability.

In September 2007, the Research and Planning Branch was invited by the Centre for Research on Lifelong Learning (CRELL) to participate in the joint OECD/EC-CRELL international study on indicators on the educational provision for students with disabilities, learning difficulties and disadvantages (SENDDD). During the initial phase, the statistics unit and the research unit corraborated with the special needs network to harmonize the national categories with the international classification framework and draft a preliminary report. The second phase of the study – the development of indicators - will be implemented during 2008.

Research

The Planning and Research Branch incorporates the Research Unit whose function is to encourage and monitor research in local education. Such research, including that by university students is conducted in state schools or through the Education Division documents. During 2007,, the unit assessed and approved 268 requests for research in state schools. The requests originated from a number of faculties, the largest number or 56% from the Faculty of Education. The Unit also provided support to foreign research institutes and universities carrying out trans-European research studies on national education systems. The university courses that benefited from the unit’s support are indicated in the following table:

Table 2: Number of Requests for Research - 2007

Course	Number of Requests
Bachelor of Education	112
P.G.C.E. (Post Graduate Course in Education)	70
B.A./B.Sc.	26
B. Commerce/ B. Commerce(Hons)	40
B.E.& A.	3
D.E.A.M.	2
M.A./M.Ed./M. Sc./MBA	15
Total	268

On completion of their research programme, researchers submit a copy of their dissertation to the Documentation Centre of the Education Division. Thus research carried out in State schools and/or Education Division documents can be put in context and the results made available to the areas concerned. In order to promote future studies, these documents are available for reference and perusal at the documentation centre for Senior Staff. The list of these dissertations, accompanied by a short abstract, is also available on the departmental website for easy reference. During 2007, one hundred and twenty-three theses were deposited in the Documentation Centre.

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS)

There is a growing consensus among educational stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on measuring educational outcomes. Further to this, both the National Minimum Curriculum and our new social and political realities as members of the European Union stimulate further the need to participate in international benchmarking exercises.

In the context of these developments, Malta is participating for the first time in TIMSS 2007. TIMSS 2007 consists of an achievement test in mathematics and science for students as well as a student’s background questionnaire. Questionnaires are also administered to the mathematics and science teachers of the students tested and also to the Head of the sampled school. During 2007, Malta participated in the main study which was carried out in all secondary schools. Participation in TIMSS has an added value component since through close collaboration with IEA, staff at the research unit was trained in the use of two international databases developed by IEA and developed international research management competencies. Skills transfer also cascaded to school level with the training of TIMSS School Co-ordinators in administering research instruments. The whole process was monitored by an international quality assurance monitor, ensuring that the whole exercise met the international quality standard. All data was sent to IEA following data checks made by the Unit. IEA confirmed through quality assurance benchmarks and timeframes. The Research Unit professionalism was given due credit by IEA for the quality of data sent in its report on quality assurance. The successful implementation of the study would have not been possible without the collaboration of the schools' management teams and the TIMSS Schools' Co-ordinators.

Teaching and Learning International Study (TALIS)

The first strategic objective of the Lisbon process focuses on the need to raise the quality and standard of the learning process. One of the areas covered by this objective is the improvement of the education and training of teachers and trainers. In order to have objective data, the Commission has commissioned the OECD to carry out an international study on the teaching and learning process taking place in European schools. The study entitled “Teaching and Learning International Survey” (TALIS) was launched in 2006. The field test was carried out in March 2007 with a sample of four schools and eighty teachers. Malta registered a 100% response rate for the field test. The Research Unit participated actively in analysing and reviewing the instruments for the main study which is scheduled for April 2008.

International Civics and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS)

The purpose of the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) is to investigate, in a range of countries, the ways in which young people are prepared to undertake their roles as citizens. In pursuit of this purpose the study will report on student achievement in a test of conceptual understandings and competencies in Civics and Citizenship. The international coordination is directed by a consortium consisting of three partner organizations: The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), The National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) in England, and the Laboratorio di Pedagogia Sperimentale (LPS) at the Roma Tre University (Italy). During 2007, the Research Unit drew up a sampling frame for the field study and reviewed the instruments, making the necessary cultural adaptations and also translated the students' modules into Maltese. Preparations for the field test included also the training of scorers and data entry staff in the use of ILO occupations database. The field test was administered in November 2007 on a sample of eight schools, 175 teachers and 350 students, with a response rate of 97% and 95% respectively.

Eurydice National Unit

The Maltese Eurydice Unit has participated in all the work carried out by the Eurydice Network throughout 2007. The objective of the Unit is to monitor, draft and disseminate reliable and comparable information on the Maltese education system within the wider landscape of European education. The work of the Eurydice Network includes descriptive studies, comparative analysis as well as the collation of indicators and statistical data.

During 2007, the Unit accomplished the following projects:

•	Drafted the Maltese contribution to the electronic publication “Organisation of School Year 2007-2008” - a comparative analysis on how the school year is organised across the EU member states, EFTA countries and acceding countries. The information collated covers both primary and secondary education and includes national data on the length of the school year, the timetable for the start of each school year and the distribution and length of school holidays. For the first time this included also the academic calendar of tertiary level institutions.
•	Co-ordinated the updating of the publication “Focus on Higher Education in Europe”. The publication deals mainly with two aspects, the structure of local degree courses and the reforms in tertiary education in line with the Bologna Process. It also tackles the Natioanl Qualification Frameworks as regards tertiary education. The publication will also include the academic calendar of European Universities. The study was finalised in March 2007.
•	Updated the National Dossier on Education to reflect developments which took place in the local education scene in 2007.
•	Provided information for the comparative study on equity in early childhood education, focusing on special measures introduced in pre-primary education. and checked the analysis prepared by the EEU.
•	Continued work on the comparative study on governance in higher education
•	Updated indicators and provided information for the preparation of new indicators for the 2008 edition of Key Data on Teaching Languages at School in Europe.
•	Co-ordinated the drafting of a working document on the autonomy of schools. This study is meant to provide a comparative analysis of how school autonomy is implemented in 30 countries of the Eurydice Network. The study traces the processes that have led to the devolution of decision-making powers to schools and provides a better understanding of how schools are held accountable for their responsibilities. The work involved the collation of information to produce qualitative indicators. The working document of the study was discussed during a conference on the subject under the Portuguese presidency, in Lisbon on 2-3 November 2007. The study was published in December 2007.
•	Co-ordinated the drafting of a working document on the autonomy of teachers. This issue is a central priority for the Slovenian Presidency. The study will analyse the recent changes to the teaching profession and, more specifically, the widening of responsibilities conferred on teachers within the framework of increased school autonomy and with a view to improving the assimilation of innovative teaching practices. Findings from this study will be discussed during a conference on this subject in May 2008.
•	Collated data and information for the 2008 Edition of Key Data on Education In Europe.
•	Updated the summary fiche on Maltese education to reflect developments which have taken place during 2007.
•	Provided an information service by regularly answering to the many requests for information regarding various aspects of our education system. These requests originate both from local as well as trans-border sources.
•	Collation in collaboration with the National Statistics Office of data for EUROSTAT questionnaires regarding expenditure in education, student enrolment and educational staff.
•	Promoted Eurydice work through the dissemination of its publications and other material among Maltese stakeholders.

Eduforum

Eduforum continued to be published regularly on a quarterly basis, reaching as wide a number as possible of stakeholders in Education.

The objectives of this publication – to serve as a means of information and also as a printed record of initiatives, achievements, plans and policies generated within the Education Division during 2007 – remained on track.

The overriding objective of Eduforum also aims to bring together and disseminate good practice among stakeholders and partners in Education, while serving as a medium for quality public relations with local and foreign entities.

DEVELOPMENT BRANCH

The following areas were the direct responsibility of the Development Branch of the Planning and Development Department during 2007:

- Health and Safety in Schools - School Requisites - Technical Services Branch - Liaising with Local Councils

Health and Safety in Schools:

Greater awareness regarding Health and Safety has been achieved in all state, church and private schools thanks to the sustained efforts of Health and Safety teachers in Secondary Schools and Peripatetic Health and Safety Teachers in Primary Schools. Various topics related to Health and Safety were promoted and discussed with the school management teams and staff.

Events in which the Health and Safety Unit contributed during 2007:

•	Provided support to Skola Sajf 2007 to ensure a healthy and safe environment.
•	Organised four INSET Courses.
•	Training of academic/minor school staff and TSB staff in fire awareness and suppression as well as basic first aid.
•	Headed the Health and Safety team for the Education Division’s premises.
•	Organised Health and Safety Expositions in Malta and Gozo
•	Participated in Staff Development sessions in various schools on Health and Safety issues.
•	Training, observing and advising on school evacuation protocols and drills.
•	Preparation of school contingency plans.
•	Preparation of detailed evacuation plans for schools, including the installation of marked plans and exit signage at strategic places on school premises.
•	Yearly risk assessments in all primary and secondary schools.
•	Talks to parents on local/EU legislation related to Health and Safety issues.
•	Courses for school leavers in basic Health and Safety and first-aid.
•	Inspecting and ensuring that first-aid cabinets are well stocked and contents comply with Red Cross European reference Standards recommendations.
•	Inspecting and ensuring that fire extinguishers are appropriate, well maintained and serviced.
•	Ensuring that evacuation, mandatory and warning signage is affixed appropriately throughout the schools.
•	Advising on the procurement, deployment and fixing of emergency lighting as and where necessary.
•	Liasioning with external agencies such as the OHSA; CPD; Malta Red Cross; FTS; ADT; Sedqa; Appogg; Police Department; Health Division; RoSPA; Child Accident Prevention Trust; European Child Safety Alliance; European Union programmes.
•	Providing a consultancy service to all schools, including non-state schools, and other Education Division Services.
•	Organising and/or participating in EU-funded projects related to health and Safety.
•	The compilation and editing of the quarterly journal Safe and Healthy.
•	The distribution of a monthly Health and Safety e-pamphlets to all schools.
•	Active participation in various inter-departmental and ministerial committees.
•	Promotion of Child Safety Education on the Mass Media.

School Requisites

•	Revised and updated guidelines were published in the form of a manual to help Heads of School draw up their capital expenditure business plan. This manual was distributed to all state secondary and primary schools. The revision and updating of this booklet arose in response to a number of concerns raised by Heads of School in their interpretation of the guidelines in the previous edition.
•	Another objective for the year 2007 was the enhancement of a digital data-base which was initiated in 2005 to monitor the equipment procured by schools under the Equipment Expenditure Imprest.
•	All schools are submitting financial records of the three funds which they manage in both hard and soft formats. Data received is then converted into DBA format for subsequent analysis.

Technical Services Branch:

The Technical Services Branch (TSB) provides a maintenance service to all state schools through the services of its ten specialized sections.

Table 3: Works carried out by TSB during 2007

Section	Manning Levels	No. of Job Tasks Accomplished
Masonry	22	97
Carpenters	17	184
Plastering/Painting	26	97
Electrical	18	387
Plumbing	16	321
Drainage	7	361
Aluminium	3	98
Welders	14	57
Membrane Laying	4	48
Support Unit	9	a

Liaising with Local Council:

The excellent co-operation that has always existed between the Education Division and Local Councils continued, and in fact was further enhanced during 2007. This healthy co-operation is proving most beneficial in gradually turning our schools into Community Learning Centres, through which the concept of Life Long Learning is being promoted. Considerable progress in this area is being achieved through the Foundation for Educational Services.