Education reform consultation extended

Public consultation on the proposed education reform, which would do away with streaming and replace the Junior Lyceum entrance exams, has been extended by a month due to demand.

The consultation period was due to close on January 10 but interested parties now have an extra month in which to submit their suggestions and complaints on the reform, Education Minister Dolores Cristina announced yesterday.

The minister last month launched a consultation document on the transition from primary to secondary school, among whose aims is the reduction of stress for pupils and the elimination of negative effects associated with being placed in the lower-streamed classes.

A working group put together under the previous ministry had worked on the document for months. The Education Ministry has now decided to extend the consultation process following what was described as the huge response from schools, parents and associations.

Mrs Cristina made the announcement during the laying of the foundation stone of a boys' secondary school in Mosta that will form part of Maria Regina College. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi presided over the ceremony.

Thousands of concerned parents attended the consultation meetings to understand how the reform will affect their children, she said.

"There were parents who expressed great interest and made suggestions, those who spoke about their difficulties and others who questioned what was still worrying them."

The minister said that even though the overall reaction to the educational reform was positive, many suggestions and complaints were brought up.

After the consultation period, the suggestions will be evaluated for inclusion in the final proposals.