The International Program Perspective: The Education of Gifted Children in Malta

Education is all about making provisions for individual differences and specific needs. All students, including the gifted, need their fair share of care. However, very often, gifted students are neglected because many believe that they can manage on their own. Brain power alone is not enough for the realization of giftedness. Perseverance, creativity, motivation, self-esteem, and the potential for high ability are ingredients that only when blended together lead to high achievement. This article looks at the important events in the history of education in Malta that could have had effects on the education of its gifted students. Malta’s educational structure is also outlined. Some major policies and practices within the educational system are examined to assess how effectively Malta provides for the educational needs of gifted students. Although it is evident that Malta hardly acknowledges the gifted, there have been encouraging recent educational developments in the country that promise a brighter future for all students, including the gifted.