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EFL
Schools' Monitoring Board Policy Guidelines
DEFINITION
The term EFL School refers to the
whole students' stay in Malta and Gozo which includes the provision of English Language Teaching and tourism-related ancillary services; in particular accommodation with host families and involvement in the care of students under 18 years of age. An EFL school is not just the physical building in which the classrooms are situated and the teaching of English is
provided. It incorporates also the various aspects that relate to students attending
EFL school.
MISSION
The mission of the Monitoring Board for EFL Schools is to foster the EFL Profession and Industry in all its various aspects.
The Monitoring Board shall endeavor to ensure that:
- Malta maintains a respectable international identity in the EFL field;
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Malta derives the maximum possible economic benefits in terms of foreign currency earnings that can be generated by the EFL industry;
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any expansion in terms of new applications for EFL schools is conducted in such a way as to safeguard standards and enhance the interests of the local profession and entrepreneur;
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applications for the licensing of new EFL schools provide measures to alleviate the current concentration of schools in the North Harbour Area and to encourage new opportunities for tourism-related ancillary services, not least host family accommodation,
situated outside this area;
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any expansion in the EFL industry shall provide significant opportunities for EFL qualified teachers and support staff of Maltese nationality; and shall foster their professional development and safeguard their livelihood;
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any development in the EFL industry is accompanied by a corresponding investment in the EFL profession;
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the development and operation of the EFL industry shall enhance Malta's image and promotional efforts in the field of tourism;
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any proposed buildings
and site plans which are earmarked to serve as EFL school
satisfies at all times the foregoing principles and meets with the space layout, dimensions and facilities contained in this policy document and its appendix;
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Heads of EFL schools conform with local laws, regulations, policies and conditions of their EFL
licence.
The Monitoring Board recognises:
- the right of the foreign student to choose from a list of licensed EFL schools without distinction, and to receive professional service in terms of English language training and tourism-related ancillary facilities;
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the right of the applicant for an EFL school licence to choose the site for the school in any area, provided that the development of this site for the purposes of an EFL school is not in breach of General Planning Authority regulations, regarding the use of land in the light of the Structure Plan, and
the Monitoring Board's regulations;
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that, in view of Malta's limitations in terms of geographical size, infrastructure, human resources and marketability, an increase in the number of existing EFL schools will, according to the theory of diminishing returns, not signify a proportionate increase in the number of students that can be attracted to the island;
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that the EFL industry has been successfully developed through the diligent investment and labour of Maltese
nationals. Consideration of new applications for EFL schools should endeavour to promote
investments, originating locally, unless
conditions warrant otherwise;
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the potential contribution of the EFL profession towards the teaching of English in Maltese schools.
The Monitoring Board stresses the obligations of:
the foreign student to:
- respect and observe national laws, customs and traditions, policies and regulations specific to EFL schools;
and of the Head of an EFL school to:
- inform students of their obligations and ensure that these obligations are observed throughout the entire language stay of the
student in the Maltese Archipelago;
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ensure that any representation aimed at promoting the services of the school is a faithful and accurate representation, and that advertised services are effectively provided;
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provide at all times professional service in terms of English language training and tourism-related ancillary facilities even where these are sub-contracted;
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inform students of the redress mechanisms available to them in terms of the law and national regulations.
APPENDIX TO POLICY GUIDELINE
REFERENCE TO "QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE PROPOSED
PREREQUISITES FOR THE ISSUE OF AN EFL SCHOOL LICENCE"
In examining applications for the issue of a new licence or for an extension of an existing licensed EFL school, the Monitoring Board
considers favourably applications which conform to its
policy guidelines and conditions as stipulated hereunder:
SECTION A:
GENERAL PRINCIPLE
| A1.0 |
The applicants
complete the questionnaire in such a way that demonstrates diligence, the applicants' clear understanding of the educational values and responsibilities associated with an EFL school and that they shall take all reasonable steps to provide
academic and non-academic services which
enhance the profession and the industry. |
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| A2.0 |
Business Plan and Needs Analysis |
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The applicant for a new EFL school is to demonstrate: |
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| A2.1 |
the generation of untapped sources of students and sustainable new market opportunities; |
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| A2.2 |
the economic benefit to be generated in terms of projected annual numbers of students and
studying-weeks and their spread throughout the year; |
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| A2.3 |
projected impact on ancillary services; |
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| A2.4 |
the levels of permanent and temporary employment for Maltese nationals; |
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| A2.5 |
the contribution to be made to the EFL profession in Malta. |
SECTION B:
LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL PREMISES
| B1.0 |
Development of EFL schools outside the North Harbour Area. |
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The Monitoring Board: |
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| B1.1 |
encourages development of new EFL schools outside the North Harbour Area; |
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| B1.2 |
encourages development in the form of Conversion, Extension and Refurbishment of existing buildings suitable to
accommodate an EFL school as outlined in paragraph B3.0; |
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| B1.3 |
encourages new opportunities for host families living in these areas; |
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| B1.4 |
seeks to alleviate the heavy demand for host families in the North Harbour Area. |
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| B1.5 |
the contribution
towards the EFL profession in Malta. |
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| B2.0 |
Development of EFL schools within the North Harbour Area. |
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The Monitoring Board expresses concern at the already existing high concentration of EFL schools located within the North Harbour Area,
creating the congestion of students and the resulting heavy demand for host families, particularly during the peak summer months, and, in its considerations, shall support measures which address these problems.
Applications for the extension of existing licensed EFL
schools and for the development of new EFL schools,
in the North Harbour Area are considered
under extraordinary conditions, requiring that the nature of the extension or development satisfies the
Monitoring Board insofar as: |
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| B2.1 |
the proposed building to be used for EFL tuition purposes provides proper spaces for classrooms, rooms for academic support facilities, assembly and recreation areas all commensurate with the maximum number of students to be accommodated at any one time as outlined in paragraph B3.0; |
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| B2.2 |
the applicant provides measures to minimise noise and disturbance to neighbours; |
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| B2.3 |
the proposed building is reasonably free of noise and odour pollution, and that the layout minimises disturbances and undue crowding that may cause discomfort and/or danger to the users; |
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| B2.4 |
any additional demands on host family accommodation can be sustained; |
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| B2.5 |
the facilities encourage higher spending students rather than a major increase in numbers; |
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| B2.6 |
the school shall have a sustainable year-round operation which shall not entirely or unduly rely on the peak summer months. |
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| B3.0 |
The design and layout for the proposed EFL school buildings is to provide for: |
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| B3.1 |
an easy flow of students and the provision of opportunities for these
students to mix and speak; |
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| B3.2 |
classrooms which are conducive to learning, are independent, enjoy natural fresh air and natural lighting through the availability of sizeable windows, do not depend exclusively upon artificial lighting; |
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| B3.3 |
classrooms of space intended to accommodate a group ranging from 5 to 15 students, where the space per student shall be represented by a minimum of 1.85 sqm, if chairs with writing arms are to be used, or 2.30 sqm if the furniture is to consist of chairs and desks/tables; |
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| B3.4 |
classrooms of space smaller than the minimum floor area stated in paragraph B3.3 shall not be utilised for group tuition; |
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| B3.5 |
the physical dimensions of classrooms shall furthermore be such that the depth does not exceed twice the width; |
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| B3.6 |
the main access routes serving the individual teaching areas to have a minimum width of 2.0m in the case of premises whose maximum capacity is less than 70 students, and a minimum width of 2.4m if the maximum capacity is over 70 students; |
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| B3.7 |
where possible, the transition from an access route to a classroom, to be through an ante-room or space that serves as a buffer zone from the "noise generating" areas; |
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| B3.8 |
ancillary spaces for teachers, administrative staff as well as for assembly and recreation commensurate with the maximum number of students that can be accommodated at any one time, represented by a minimum of 1.45 sqm per student.
EFL Schools are to include appropriate refreshment facilities; |
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| B3.9 |
ancillary spaces for self-study in line with trends in the EFL profession represented by a minimum of 8% of maximum capacity in the case of a capacity of less than 70 students, and of 5% otherwise, whereby the self-study area per individual is represented by 2.30 sqm; |
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| B3.10 |
a configuration of teaching areas, in respect of school buildings whose maximum capacity is over 70 students, that is conducive to easy interaction and provides measures to alleviate noise pressures and disturbances; |
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| B3.11 |
the anticipated year-round population of the proposed operation with sufficient possibilities for expansion, ideally including physical spaces to reflect any cyclical activity. Where the cyclic operation requires a spill-over, the subsidiary spaces are to be suitably located, validated, and be in conformity with these regulations as if they were an integral part of the main building, save where such spaces are an already licensed school building; |
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| B3.12 |
materials and décor that conform to the relevant international fire regulations and health and safety regulations for public spaces; |
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| B3.13 |
classroom furniture is to be specifically designed, ergonomic and comfortable. |
SECTION C:
ACADEMIC PHILOSOPHY AND SERVICES
| C1.0 |
Applicants for new EFL schools are to demonstrate: |
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| C1.1 |
a thorough understanding of the academic aspects of the EFL profession in terms of teaching philosophy, course design and methodology; |
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| C1.2 |
how the teaching philosophy, course design and methodology of the school are to be applied in practical terms to the classroom situation; |
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| C1.3 |
a clear commitment towards enhancing the profession by investing in academic research and development; |
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| C1.4 |
a definite commitment to staff training and opportunities for ongoing staff development; |
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| C1.5 |
that any foreign partnerships or participation in their structure contribute in a tangible manner towards the enhancement of the local EFL profession. |
SECTION D:
MARKET ASPECTS
| D1.0 |
Applicants for new EFL schools are to: |
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| D1.1 |
provide clear evidence of commitments in respect of untapped market opportunities; |
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| D1.2 |
show that their student sources are new to Malta and not already engaged in any Maltese EFL operation; |
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| D1.3 |
demonstrate that any foreign partnerships or participation in the school will contribute significantly towards the provision of students to meet the targets laid down in the business plan; |
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| D1.4 |
spread their operations over extended periods of the year; |
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| D1.5 |
avoid operations that constitute peaked congestion and heavy demands on infrastructural and ancillary services. |
SECTION E: NON-ACADEMIC SERVICES
| E1.0 |
Applicants for new EFL schools are to provide: |
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| E1.1 |
information to demonstrate a clear understanding of the responsibilities entrusted upon them by Part C of
Legal Notice Number 60 of 1996 and subsequent amendments; |
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| E1.2 |
exhaustive measures,
ensuring that, at all times, the EFL School
shall care for students under eighteen years of age, where the
EFL school intimates that it shall cater for this age group; |
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| E1.3 |
students with a counselling and information service that caters for their general well- being and for their extra-curricular cultural and leisure activities; |
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| E1.4 |
assistance to students with problems they may encounter throughout their
stay in the Maltese Islands; |
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| E1.5 |
information on the operations
afforded adequately as student counselling in the areas, intended to be covered, whereby these are shown to encompass a minimum availability during normal school hours of one adult person,
competent and trained in customer care; public relations, and in the areas such as the students' contractual interests, historical and cultural heritage, local customs, current events, leisure events, local transportation, information governing the public's requirements
concerning commercial outlets, medical, hospital, police and emergency services; |
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| E1.6 |
assurances in terms of proposed contractual clauses, staff levels, back-up assistance, technology and communication aids, to protect students' interests in each of the five sections of the questionnaire both when non-academic services are provided for directly, and also when these are provided through agents or subcontractors. |
EFL Academic
Minimum Qualifications
A. Director of Studies
1.1. The Director of studies shall have the qualifications set out hereunder:
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an
EFL Teaching Permit; |
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| b) |
a minimum of 1,000 hours in teaching English as a foreign language; |
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| c) |
a first degree in English of a recognized University or a diploma or higher qualification of a recognized institution in the teaching of English as a foreign language. |
B. EFL Teachers.
1.2. Teachers
should:-
| a) |
be at least eighteen years of age; |
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| b) |
possess an
EFL Teaching Permit; |
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| c) |
Possess an Advanced Level Certificate in English of a recognized institution, or comparable qualifications. |
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| d) |
have successfully followed a recognized induction course in the methodology of teaching English as a foreign language, approved by the Minister on the recommendation of the Board. |
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have
clean police conduct certificate; |
3.3 Any person who has a minimum of five years uninterrupted experience of teaching English as a foreign language prior to
9th April 1996, shall be deemed to satisfy the qualifications requirements under par. 2.2.(c ) above.
Forms
These files can be downloaded in pdf format 
List of English Language Schools
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