Church schools: a sequel
On April 25 I discussed the role of Church schools in Malta within the context of the opening of the extension of the Archbishop's Seminary. The blog titled "Beautiful more than Controversial" can be accessed from http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20120425/blogs/beautiful-more-than-controversial.417058
A regular writer of my blogs sent me a private email showing his complete disagreement with my statements. While stating that he strongly believes in the role of the Church in this sector he was of the opinion that the Church is going about it the wrong way.
There are many statements in this email (which I reproduce hereunder) with which I do not agree. However I think that this email is intelligently written and should help in the debate about the role of the Church in education that I wished to spur on.
"The controversy over Church schools started due to the sheer incompetence of the Labour Government of the seventies when it tried to impose a progressive system of education without adequate preparation for it, and without having the qualified personnel to do it. What other countries took years if not decades to carry out, we tried it overnight!. As educators had predicted, the result was that the people lost faith in the ability of the Government to provide a satisfactory educational system. The Church, without any systematic programme on the matter and probably without realising the implications of its actions, stepped in to fill the void. The effect was to highlight even more the inadequacies of the state sector. The Government was faced with a very embarrassing situation. It tried to solve it in the typical Mintoffian way – crush the opposition.
"Unfortunately when moderation won, the Church remained without any systematic approach to the education problem. The net result now is a series of problems which face the Church. Unless the situation is addressed urgently, the Church will face further problems of its own making which are not likely to present a good image of the Church to society in the future.
"At present Church schools are private schools heavily subsidised by the taxpayer. Parents who opt for these schools know that it will be much more expensive than sending their children to the state sector. And here the Church faces the first problem: Church schools are not available for the poor. They are not available for the children of parents who have little interest in education. Unfortunately there are still a large number of parents who, for various reasons, are not interested in the education of their children. It is a well-known fact that these are the children who cause most disruption in schools with the resulting effect on the education of the other children. These children are being concentrated in the state sector with the result that their disproportionate presence is creating further difficulties to a state sector already in considerable trouble due to various internal problems.
"Parent who are genuinely interested in the education of their children but who are not willing or unable to send their children to a Church school, have to face a situation where disruption is much more common than in the Church schools. I have been informed that the head of a Church school threatened new entrants to his school that if they cause any disruption they would be transferred to the state sector.
"The recent results of public examinations confirm this. Why should Church schools perform better than state schools when they employ the same teachers, have the same holidays, etc. The answer is simply the control they have on their intake of children.
"The system adopted by the Church is also a cause of distress for children. Children are placed in schools without any concern on their place of residence. Children frequently have to travel long distances, get up early in the morning, etc. just to be on time at school. This policy, which in any other country, would probably qualify as child abuse, is carried out with the blessings of the Church and state.
"Finally why does the Church want control on the educational system of the country? With the present reforms the Church is likely to have as much as 45% of the child population in its schools. Any reforms of educational policies would inevitably create conflicts between church and state, where it is likely that the Church would be the winner. Can a democratically elected government accept such a situation?"
What do you think?
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Joe Xuereb
May 13th 2012, 01:57
If a Church School is not one run by a Church Order (Salesians, etc.) then what, exactly is a Church School? And what is its purpose?
With the elimination of the 11+ exam (surely this was for streaming) how can one say that the fruit of this will be seen in subsequent years. How so?
Quote: '@ Joe Xuereb: Listen, Mr Xuereb. Like you I am critical of the Church. But unlike you, I DO NOT HAVE CHIPS ON MY SHOULDER (my capitals - really?!) shoulder and I see things, and comment about them, objectively.
ACtually, I really suspect you are very cut off from present-day reality in Malta. You need to come over and spend some time here and update yourself. Till then,PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASSERT IN PUBLIC (my capitals again)..
Please, don't write so negatively about Church schools. Church schools are given funds by the government in return for the huge lands - that were rightly or wrongly, it's none of my or your business were given to the Church - that the Church gave to the government. This is part of the Agreement reached between the Church and the State. Otherwise, parents give donations that are expected of them for the service that is given to their children. Many times, such donations are either given partially, or not at all. AND NO QUESTIONS ASKED (my capitals)'. End of quote.
All this from someone who elsewhere on the ToM claimed never in his life to have told anyone to shut up (against an article to do with hunting in Malta I believe), someone who most certainly does not mince his words. This amounts to being told to shut up, imma bil-pulit. Franco, just because I'm an exile you needn't treat me with kid-gloves, you know. Patronisingly like!
So what the Govt. and the Church, their bartering behind closed doors, is none of Mr. Farrugia's business, or indeed, mine. Well, where Mr. Farrugia pokes his nose is none of my business and nor should it be his where I poke mine. Talk about patronising (poor, well-meaning Ms. Jess!). As it happens, the entanglements between Church and State in Malta is very much my business simply because of the complete mess the country is in. Which brings me to the original question. If this Church School is not a Faith School as I understood it ( seeing that such schools in UK are a daily hot topic), and nor is it run by an Order of men in a peculiar uniform, then what exactly is a Church School in Malta that has so much land to give in return for funds, and Malta so much money to give in exchange for land, and to what end? You bet it is my business to know. What else is life other than a never-ending search for the truth and ultimately, justice - the only thing we have that is worth aspiring and holding onto.
The Church and State in Malta is very much my business simply because of the complete mess the country is in. I may live away and, if anything, that makes it easier for me to see things objectively (Mr. Farrugia disagrees but then he would). Which brings me to the original question. If this Church School is not a Faith School as I understood it ( seeing that such schools in UK are a daily hot topic), and nor is it run by an Order of men in a peculiar uniform, then what exactly is a Church School in Malta that has so much land to give in return for funds, and Malta so much money to give in exchange for land, and to what end? You bet it is my business to know. What else is life other than a never-ending search for the truth and ultimately, justice - the only thing we have that is worth holding onto.
And to end on a half-serious note, but jokingly. Pupils, and boy-pupils in particular who show a bent (pun intended) for the arts and something to do with whatever side of the brain enhances this - these boys in church schools should be closely monitored as they could well be queers - that is men who fancy men - in the making. In other words, straighten them or forever rue the day for they be damned.
Franco Farrugia
May 14th 2012, 09:44
Quote: 'run by an Order of men in a peculiar uniform'. To people who write like this, I have nothing further to say - chips on their shoulders, and how!
Franco Farrugia
May 12th 2012, 18:29
Trauma!!! Trauma!!!! I have been teaching secondary school students for almost 25 years! 25 years! And I have never met a student walking like a zombie, talking in spurts of nonsensical words, an acting strangely because of the '11+ exam'! Traumatised by family backgrounds, ... that, yes! (So, shall we eradicate parenthood, I ask?) But from the blessed '11+ exam', never.
C Muscat
May 12th 2012, 07:41
Re 11+ examinations I experienced the examination race both for my daughter and for my son. For the other girls, later on I was lucky enough not to need the 11+ because the school took them earlier from the grades.
As I was lucky and had all the results of all my children positive, I can say that the pressure of 11+ examination is much better if we can do without. For those that failed, the children will eliminate such trauma from their life.
For the education, my experience is that the girls that entered the secondary without the need of the 11+ examination are doing better and done better in their further studies.
Naturally, I know my experience but it is good to have a general view for a better structures education, where in my opinion the elimination of the 11+ was a very positive way forward in eliminating a race that was killing so many children and families.
Jessica Debattista
May 11th 2012, 11:59
@ Franco Farrugia:
It is very obvious Franco that you are quite capable to discuss today’s topic and your experience stands you in good stead.
There is one thing that we do not seem to agree on, however, and that is the doing away of the 11+ examination.
You see it as an obstacle since the brighter kid is slowed down to allow the slower kid to catch up. Time will tell; and it might prove to be true, and most probably there will be other developments to try to rectify the situation, but as a parent who had gone through the effort (probably not thoroughly enough) to get our son into a prestigious school of our choice but had to content with a school according to the grades he achieved, I can say that some parents do not want to put too much pressure on their sons, risking their breaking down.
Not every child is accademically oriented; some shine in other subjects which unfortunately the average person does not set too much store by.
Some children who are artistically bent find it hard to concentrate on academic subjects and because of this they are erroneously labelled as deficient.
Usually these last have a predisposition for languages and any other subjects that employs the right side of the brain; the right side that is emotional and artistic.
A holistic education where both sides of the brain are given the same importance would benefit a society that needs to be creative to meet today’s fast moving pace.
Back to the 11+ examination which incidentally is reserved for boys; would you consider how girls are catching up so rapidly now that they are given equal opportunities?
As far as I know girls do not have to sit for the said examination but start at primary level and move on automatically to the seconadary level.
We do know that more girls than boys graduate from university. Worth a thought!
J Degabriele
May 11th 2012, 17:31
Girls had to sit for the 11+ in all state schools and in some church schools, such as the one in Gozo. The tension which the children laboured under was mostly due to the parents' attitude. As you said, only time will tell whether doing away with this exam will have positive results or not.
Franco Farrugia
May 12th 2012, 00:25
@ Jessica Debattista: Your patronising is uncalled for. I am quite erudite to discuss almost any subject under the sun, because it is my profession. If there is some topic in which I am not, I do not bother to make a fool of myself in public.
Jessica Debattista
May 12th 2012, 14:06
@ Franco Farrugia: “Your patronising is uncalled for. I am quite erudite to discuss almost any subject under the sun, because it is my profession. If there is some topic in which I am not, I do not bother to make a fool of myself in public.”
Really! Is that how I come over – as patronising? I promise never to address another comment to you because apparently my tone rubs you the wrong way even though it is not meant to.
I am sure you can discuss almost any subject under the sun and that is why I always read your comments but you should try to make allowances for others who happen to have a different opinion. (Hope I am not being patronising again!)
C Muscat
May 10th 2012, 17:11
@ Duncan Micallef I was educated and worked in a state school; my children were educated in church schools. Both stateand church schools in Malta are good. The results in church schools are better and this is due to the fact that church schools are after getting better results. When any of my children needed attention, I was called and students will be on the good track again. Otherwise there is nothing particular and there is no effective control on the education system except givingh a better service in general. What is wrong with giving a better education and formation!
Thank you church for educating my children in a way that at university level they managed to achieve what they studied for.
Duncan Micallef
May 10th 2012, 09:08
Although I cannot agree with the writer of the e-mail on the church filling in the gaps of the Mintoff-ian era school system.I agree in many other respects with the point he mentioned. It has been far to long that an effective segregation occurs after the year 6 especially for boys. Yes the church wants control over the education system because it gives the church prestige and power in society. I can only say that we are know seeing the beginning of the end of the church schools prestige, and good riddance. y the children not deemed fit enough by the church schools take the lead they are being given and show Malta what they are truly made off and who will lead Malta in the future.
May you finally come to see the reality of injustice in Maltese education, Mr. F.Farrugia.
Andy Farrugia
May 10th 2012, 14:06
Have computer /laptop, will comment: despite uttering inanities and being hopelessly out of my depth.
Franco Farrugia
May 10th 2012, 15:51
@ Mr Micallef: Weelllll... let me put it in a very diplomatic way ... how shall I say this? ... I would (come to see the reality of injustice (?) in Maltese education) if you gave me the opportunity to see YOUR point of view ... which I cannot, very well.
Perhaps you could resort to Maltese? Just a suggestion, you know.
J Degabriele
May 10th 2012, 17:44
You're talking absolute ROT! The Church does not want "control over the education system"! Many parents (not all, thank God) want to send their kids to church schools, thinking that they can wash their hands of all responsibility, that's what!
Franco Farrugia
May 10th 2012, 19:22
Mr Micallef,
Let's try and help YOU to 'finally come to see the reality in Maltese education', without any chips on the shoulder, however.
I have never shied away from criticising the Church administration in the way they try to hold on to civil power in our society.
However, truth is truth and I recognise it when I see it.
In my whole life, I have never ever came to the conclusion that the Church 'wants control over the education system'. In fact, the 'Church', per se, is not directly involved in education - it's the various teaching (Religious) Orders that are directly involved, not the Church per se. So, for example, the Jesuits, or the De La Salle Brothers, or the Dominicans or the Salesians.
Even then, especially in recent years, within these Orders, it's only the Rectors, Heads of Schools or Principals, call them what you like, are directly involved. And then, again, most of the administrative work has lately fallen on the shoulders of capable laymen and laywomen.
The ethos of every school, however, is kept.
Since time immemorial, there was always a variety of backgrounds from which students came. A variety!!!! The students were not chosen due to the background they came from: financial, social, what-have-you!
I am the living proof of that! :-)
Now, let us come to you, with your chip on your shoulder for some reason or other. Could you please give us more details how and in what way, the Church 'wants control....'?? What Church schools wish to have is participation in the taking of policies in education - and why not? I am not saying that they are successful in this because this right is denied them.
Yes, ... unfortunately you are right on one thing: 'we are (k)now seeing the beginning of the end of the church schools prestige....'
What 'prestige' are we talking about, here? The 'prestige' coming from being successful? Sorry, I do not mean to insult you, sir, but such words come from any jealous chip-on-the-shoulder lout, quite unable to accept the fact that the man near him has been successful in life, through hard work, and he is not! What's so wrong with being successful?
Yes, you ARE right. With the very last educational decisions that were taken, the Church schools decided and took it upon themselves to bring their own educational levels and expectations dreadfully down in order to be like the rest of the schools in Malta and Gozo - so there there won't be any difference. Wow, I say. What a feat. They have abolished the entrance examination for the silly reason that it brough about stress to the young kids, and in so doing, they threw away the baby with the bathwater.
Because that is the new strategy: a bright student has to wait for the not-so-bright to catch up, in order to enhance the abilities of the former.
So, back to you: You can say what you like against anyone and anything, but I think that you will appear very foolish if you don't come up with reasons for your assertions.
I look forward to it.
Evarist Saliba
May 9th 2012, 13:18
An element that is completely absent in this alalysis is the judgement and wishes of parents. It is the parents that are giving church schools a very important role in Malta's education system, and not the alleged determination of the church to dominate this area.
While I do agree that state schools, in Malta and abroad, have no choice but to accept all children covered by the requirements of compulsory education, something that is not demanded from private schools, it does not follow that the bad eggs will be found in one basket and the good ones in the other.
Education is a slow process and one serious mistake can have long-lasting effects. However, it was decades ago that the (NON)-progressive reforms were hastily imposed against the advice of both local and foreing educationists and one has to look elsewhere for present-day shortcomings.
C Muscat
May 9th 2012, 11:56
@ Franco Farrugia well remarked.
I have to add
The people behind the scene like this email and like the St Augustine College refusal ( and now the appeal was transferred to September 2012 ....maybe....) because influential residents do not want this school at their backyard are to be ashamed when they see 150 students for this year and for next year at the Seminary to be thrown out just because someone has a position of power. At least the mayor Malcolm Mifsud had the guts to say it and press the residents to send away the children from the college.
Franco Farrugia
May 9th 2012, 14:43
@ C Muscat: I am sorry but I have to disagree with you over your comment about the residents around St Augustine's. The story of St Augustine's has absolutely nothing to do with the matter at hand. I am not going to dwell on the case that Muscat is bringing up but I repeat - I have very different views than Mr Muscat over this one, particularly his assertion that neighbours around these schools should somehow feel 'ashamed', that they are NMBYs, etc... This is not the truth.
Nor is it true what Muscat is saying that such neighbours' actions somehow mean 'throwing out students' for reasons of power or whatever. Schools should first ensure that they have the amenities legally in place before bringing in students - otherwise, it would be easy to threaten students to throw them out.
I would ask Mr Muscat to please not press me to divulge more information that I am giving about St Augustine's debacle. Otherwise, i would be coerced to speak in detail about St Augustine's long history of arrogance and lack of diplomatic relations with their neighbours; as well as the unprofessional, unethical and downright CONDEMNABLE action on the part of the school's headship in using students to take to the streets of Valletta in protest.
C Muscat
May 10th 2012, 16:10
@ Franco Farrugia do not hold back any information. As long as the remark is based on the truth please come forward. Ialways like to be informed.
St Augustine College is a church school; it applied like any other application. The length of time is disgusting for MEPA and any other authority.
The application, I have seen the report and there is no reason for this to be witheld; it is already shmeful for MEPA to stop such permit.
Without going into these merits; whatever the outcome should be decided without further delay; justice delayed justice denied...
As previously stated in less than a kilometer around me; there are more than 5 large schools...state schools and church schools... so am I a third class citizen and these residents are first class citizens...
will add more information how such issues if treated in a fair and reasonable manner will benefit the country and more.
J Degabriele
May 9th 2012, 09:54
While reading this I was deciding to criticise it bit by bit. But then I saw Franco Farrugia's comment and I have to say that there's nothing more that I can add to it. He's said it all!
Franco Farrugia
May 8th 2012, 13:46
Quote: 'Church schools are not available for the poor. They are not available for the children of parents who have little interest in education.' ABSOLUTE RUBBISH! TOSH! The writer shows that he doesn't know how church schools work and how they are managed.
Quote: 'It is a well-known fact that these are the children who cause most disruption in schools with the resulting effect on the education of the other children.' I disagree. This is a far-flung generalisation.
Quote: 'These children are being concentrated in the state sector with the result that their disproportionate presence is creating further difficulties...' Another sweeping statement. There are many, many bright and disciplined students within State schools. Then, it all depends on how much that particular school puts emphasis on good behaviour and its monitoring.
This is the reason for the, quote again: 'have to face a situation where disruption is much more common than in the Church schools.'
Quote: 'The answer is simply the control they have on their intake of children.' Wrong again: the answer is, I repeat, in the level of stress that the school concerned dedicates to the discipline within the school. Where there is the will, there is the way.
Quote: 'I have been informed that the head of a Church school threatened new entrants to his school that if they cause any disruption they would be transferred to the state sector.' A threat, maybe, a threat such as those given to young pupils, nothing more. I challenge the writer of this email to give us statistics relative to how many students were thrown out of church schools, in the first place, and in second place, how many of them were forced to go into the state school sector.
Regarding the penultimate paragraph:
1. The fact that church schools are not limited to the geographical area in which the schools are found is of paramount importance and of great benefit to all the students in that particular school.
2. It is not up to the schools concerned to decide on entrants, on the basis of the geographical area the students come from. That would be tantamount to discrimination! Isn't it also discrimination a trait 'in any other country'?
3. Getting up early - 'with the blessing of the Church and State.' May I add: 'and with the blessing of the parents'! Imagine what parents would say if they had to leave their children behind at home while they, the parents, went off to work!
WHO EVER SAID THAT THE CHURCH WANTS CONTROL OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM? Had that been the case, the Church schools would have dug their heels deeply in and refused to collaborate with the State over the reforms! On the contrary, I know at least one church school that pre-empted the State and immediately started the reform within it by buying a junior school in order to have a supply of entrants into the secondary sector! So, not only collaboration but pre-empting!!!!!!!
So, please, what conflicts is this email-writer on about? Can we be enlightened, please? Because, if not, then most of the contents of this email are nothing but ROT!
ANTHONY PAVIA
May 8th 2012, 17:27
Well written Franco.
Please choose the reason of your report below: