The greatest challenge facing the education authorities in the run-up to co-education is how to handle mixed-ability and differentiated teaching which, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said in Parliament yesterday, the previous government had introduced without any serious planning.

The problem had started being addressed through alternative education programmes but a lot more work needed to be done to help teachers reach out to children with varying educational skills through adequate syllabi and pedagogy.

Following the introduction of secondary-level co-education at St Clare College in Pembroke, Mr Bartolo said, the experience had been very positive and principals and heads of other colleges had all requested that co-ed be introduced. There had also been positive reactions from teachers and parents.

Answering a PQ by the Opposition’s spokesman for education Joseph Cassar, Mr Bartolo said the ministry had been working on the co-ed project since last June, working hand in hand with the Malta Union of Teachers and the principal, heads, assistant heads, parents and students at St Clare.

The minister said that what had been achieved at St Clare between June and September could be done even better at the other colleges by next September. A report was being drawn up on what had been learnt for reference by other colleges.