The Education Ministry is embarking on a programme and campaign for the maintenance and raising of standards in English language use in Malta.

There would be a structured and focused inquiry into the multifaceted and complex situation of English language use in Maltese schools and a review of the current levels of English proficiency of Maltese school age students would be conducted in conjunction with Cambridge English, UK.

The purpose of the review is to report on the levels of English language competence of learners according to international standards.

Cambridge English Language Assessment, UK delivers over four million language assessments every year and has worked with governments and organisations around the world, including commonwealth countries, on similar projects.

A reliable evaluation of the current standards in English language proficiency in Maltese schools will be conducted to enable the ministry to set realistic and achievable targets for future English learning and teaching in the national language policy in education.

An integrated solution is being sought to raise standards and enhance student learning outcomes. Through a well-defined language policy and strategy as well as an analysis of baseline diagnostics, a number of important sectors would be reviewed and a clear implementation plan drawn up

This would include English curriculum design, actual teaching and learning of English in schools, materials and resources, teacher preparation and development.

Emphasis would also be put on institutional capacity building to allow Malta to maintain the special status of English and to ensure high levels of proficiency which provide it with a cutting edge in its international dealings.