The Gozo College pilot project

Last June, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment published the document "For all Children to Succeed." Apart from other innovations, it was announced that a system of networking between schools was being launched. Four different pilot networks were announced, one of which is the Gozo Pilot Project under the co-ordination of Chev. Frank Gatt.

Indeed, this was a step in the right direction towards the achievement of a quality education for all. Networks lay emphasis on collaboration and thrive on the sharing of good practice. There is a powerful and growing body of research evidence showing that professional learning and professional knowledge are best acquired by teachers working together rather than individually.

Indeed, educators learn best by sharing ideas, planning collaboratively, discussing each other's ideas and experiences rather than working in isolation. Recent research shows that networks increase professional interaction and learning across schools, and those who participate in them generate excitement about teaching and learning.

Indeed, this excitement in teaching and learning has not been lacking in the Gozo College. Since the Gozo College was introduced, a lot of positive energy and synergy has been generated in the 16 schools making up the college, as well as across the whole community.

The idea is catching on very rapidly and this will surely enhance learning and teaching at all levels, and among the various stakeholders: pupils and students, parents, teachers, senior management teams and other members of the community. Various activities and projects have already been organised or are under way.

On the pupils/students' level, just to mention one initiative, common, free-of-charge animation sessions were organised after normal school hours for Year 6 pupils and Form V students. During these sessions, JL and SEC English syllabi and past papers are explored most attractively through drama.

Learners from the different schools come together and learn, under the guidance of English and drama teachers/animators, in the three school centres helping in this experience: San Lawrenz Primary, Ghajnsielem Primary and M.A. Refalo Centre for Further Studies, Victoria.

A special word of praise goes to all the 14 Gozitan councils, which have provided free-of-charge transport for all the students attending these animation sessions.

The Council of Heads has already met on several occasions to discuss matters of common interest and to share good practices. These meetings are purposely convened in different schools so that each head has the opportunity to explain the good practices in his/her school.

In addition, heads are collaborating very actively in research on networking, literacy, numeracy, school attendance and others. Assistant heads are preparing collaboratively working papers on discipline, homework policy, school attendance, dress code and language policy.

Assistant heads have also been working closely with subject co-ordinators and teachers to prepare common half-yearly examination papers in Religion, Maltese and French. This new culture of professional co-operation is becoming an everyday practice at the Gozo College and is giving a new impetus to the system.

Teachers, too, are already reaping tangible benefits, especially with regard to training and professional development. As everybody knows, professional development is a sine qua non for teachers to keep abreast of the latest pedagogical trends and methodologies.

The Gozo College network has already borne its fruits in this respect: secondary school teachers from Ninu Cremona and Agius de Soldanis have had their professional development sessions together, working collaboratively; all primary school teachers will shortly be meeting at San Lawrenz to have their professional development as a group.

Moreover, for the first time ever, all Gozitan teachers will not be crossing over to Malta for their In-Service Training (INSET) in July and September. INSET of the highest quality is being planned in Gozo for all Gozitan teachers, both primary and secondary, working together.

Various sessions have already been organised for parents on various topics ranging from stress management to substance abuse. These very well attended meetings are usually conducted by professional personnel from the Education Division and agencies such as FES (Foundation for Educational Services) and OASI.

The sessions are also attended by the college co-ordinator who constantly encourages parents to participate in this dialogue of sharing and co-operation. Parents are constantly given time and space to air their views and even contribute to action research.

I was also informed that a number of other projects are in the pipeline: a healthy breakfast day for all College students, in co-operation with the Health Promotion Unit; a health and safety hands-on exhibition; a hands-on science week in a typical Gozitan farmhouse; a creativity week involving the schools of drama, music and arts and crafts; and various activities involving environmental issues, to mention a few.

Activities with other schools, colleges and networks are also envisaged in the near future. The Gozo College network is blooming with ideas and positive energy. It has injected a new lease of life into the whole system.

Thanks go to the MEYE, the Ministry for Gozo, the Education Division, the senior management team of each school, parents, pupils and students, local councils, indeed the whole community, which has responded so positively and proactively to the idea.

A word of praise goes to the College co-ordinator, whose sense of initiative and personal sacrifice, unwavering enthusiasm and professionalism have already nurtured professional growth, built sound relationships and genuine trust, and improved the school experience for all the members of the community.

This, indeed, is the way forward!