Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by the Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri, visited the Sixth Form Sir M.A. Refalo in Victoria, Gozo, where they were welcomed by the school’s headteacher Frankline Zammit Galea. During the visit, the Prime Minister met with administrative staff and visited various educational facilities, including the biology and chemistry laboratories, the school library, and the facilities from which Aġenzija Żgħaġ works. The Prime Minister also had the opportunity to meet and discuss with several students who attend this educational institute. The Sixth Form Sir M.A. Refalo is increasingly strengthening its role as a dynamic educational centre for students wishing to continue their studies at the pre-tertiary level. This institution welcomes around 380 students and around 68 teachers. The school offers a wide range of academic courses at the advanced and intermediate levels that prepare students for entry to University, other higher education institutions or the world of work. In addition, this school also offers revision courses at the ordinary level so that students can obtain the qualifications necessary for their academic progress. The student experience at Sir M. A. Refalo goes beyond classroom study, as students are encouraged to develop their potential through a varied extra-curricular programme, throughout the academic year. Every year the school hosts the Youth Performing Arts Fest, where students’ creativity and talents in music, dance and other performing arts are celebrated. The school is accredited under the Erasmus+ programme. Through this programme, students and academic staff are having the opportunity to participate in courses and training in various countries including Italy, Romania, Poland and Sweden, while meeting students and teachers from other countries for educational exchanges and job shadowing experiences. These initiatives go hand in hand with the Malta 2050 Vision, which places education, innovation and digital skills at the centre of our country’s sustainable development. In this context, the ‘AI for All’ measure announced in this year’s Budget continues to strengthen this direction, by offering free courses and certification. In addition, anyone who completes these courses will be eligible for a subscription to an AI service so that these tools can be used more effectively in their studies, work and daily life. Once again, parents of students who choose to continue studying after the compulsory age will be given a grant of €500 per year for three years. While this year all students have seen a 15% increase in stipends. An increase that is affecting approximately 16,600 students. These measures together with others continue to demonstrate how much Malta is investing in future skills and forward-looking education. Sir M. A. Refalo Sixth Form remains committed to adapting to the realities of modern education, by embracing technology and investing in the continuous professional development of its staff, in order to provide students with an excellent educational journey.
Photos: OPM
