ABSTRACT of Thesis by
Roberta Ann Caruana;
Diane Farrugia;
Maria Victoria Zammit

The preparation of the new NMC, stimulated an educational debate which revolved around the usual practice of dividing students into different secondary schools, depending on their academic ability. Thus, this study explored the difference between Area Secondary and Junior Lyceum entrants as regards their self-esteem, emotions, attitudes and perception of the expectations of others. Undoubtedly, a range of factors influences an individual's psychological well-being but here the relevance of the students' gender, school type and school location is demonstrated. Using a questionnaire that was distributed to a large sample of Form I students attending the two main types of state schools, the researchers conducted a detailed analysis. This helped to assess the magnitude of the relationship between the three factors and the respondents' psychological welfare. Although some gender differences did emerge, the greatest variations in the analysed psychological aspects were found to be between Junior Lyceum and Area Secondary respondents who attend a school in the Northern and Southern locations in Malta. Finally the researchers discussed the findings in comparison to previous narrative reviews, and drew implications for further research.

B.Ed. (Hons.)
May 2002

Keywords:
Education;
Psychological well-being;
Examinations;
Selection;
Demographic Factors;
Gender Issues.

" A full version of the thesis may be viewed at the Education Division Resource Centre. Contact tel. No: 25982410 / 25982316"