More or less every 10 years, the government (of the day) takes a look at education and devises a ‘new approach’, full of promise, to the curriculum. But, we’ve seen some dissenting voices recently, even from erudite personalities at the heart of Malta’s educational establishment. One of the supposed shortcomings of the new curriculum many point to is its rigidity; its inability to allow schools room to experiment, innovate and inspire.  In fulfilling the curriculum requirements, schools may have little time left to offer experiences that differentiate them or are adapted to their particular student intake.

Increasingly, there are parents in Malta wondering how to breathe fresh air into their children’s education and opt for alternatives to the state-church school dominated sector, and the fairly limited choice of international and/or private schools which do make some attempt to do things differently.

Unsurprisingly, a good many parents seeking alternatives to the current educational offer are foreigners living in Malta. Their assessment of the local educational options is serving to highlight also to local parents though the limitations of Malta’s schooling.  Clearly, foreigner parents here, who have no Maltese roots or prior linkages to the Islands, are reluctant to have their children straitjacketed in an educational system serving predominantly a nation’s aims, as they  see it, rather than children’s needs, whatever their cultural background.

They are banding together, attracting interested Maltese parents, and trying to work out how to bring alternative educational approaches to the Islands, within whatever legal frameworks they are duty bound to operate. Alternatives they are looking at, like the Waldorf system, are well established elsewhere in Europe but have yet to find a place in Malta.

Julian Saez and his wife Deirdre – Spanish and Irish nationals respectively – are two such parents. They school their two young daughters at a Waldorf school in Spain for half the year, but spend the other half year in Malta.  While relatively happy with the schooling here in Malta, they can see how it falls short in delivering the enlightened schooling their daughters receive in Spain.  Julian is on a drive to see whether it’s feasible to set up a Waldorf or similar type of school in Malta. Here’s he explains why he and Deirdre are on a mission to find out.

How did you end up being interested in educational models and methods?

My wife, Deirdre, is a very experienced psychologist, with a long background in education.  I’m an engineer and one of my passions is learning and teaching. I’m also lecturer in Murcia University in Spain.  So I suppose we’re both more attuned to thinking about educational systems and aware of pedagogical methods than many parents.

What frustrates you about traditional national curricula?

Through my learning about education, I found that to have the potential to succeed in life, and in school, you need more than the traditional approach based in IQ.  The IQ-competitive model of education has been demonstrated to be obsolete (it started life in the ‘60s).

For decades, a lot of emphasis has been put on certain aspects of intelligence such as logical reasoning, math skills, spatial skills, understanding analogies, verbal skills and so on. Researchers were puzzled by the fact that while IQ could predict to a significant degree academic performance and, to some degree, professional and personal success, there was something missing in the equation. Some of those with fabulous IQ scores were doing poorly in life; one could say that they were wasting their potential by thinking, behaving and communicating in a way that hindered their chances of succeeding.

After researching which pedagogical models emphasise concepts of emotional intelligence, social intelligence, and multiple intelligence and take them into consideration in devising a learning programme, I discovered the Waldorf education as an optimal model.

Why did the Waldorf model strike you are a more enlightened educational option?

Julian & Deirdre's daughters with friends at their Waldorf School in Spain

We did some analysis of various European models of education, from personal interest, and discovered some illuminating facts. The EU’s Cost of School Failure report, 2007, places Malta at the top of the European Union league table in terms of school failure rates, at 41.6 per cent. That is, children who do not complete school leaving exams or fail to stay in education beyond the statutory minimum age. Finland ranks the best performer both in the ‘Cost of Failure’ report and in another study, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), looking at the proficiency of students in core subjects – maths, reading, sciences.

So, we asked ourselves what Finland was doing that could lead to it ranking number one. I looked at their educational model and saw similarities to Waldorf pedagogy. Finland has other special factors of course contributing to its overall educational success: the high professional standing of teachers; free pre-school places; a lack of emphasis on the competitiveness in education, and more.

We visited a Waldorf school in Spain and I liked very much what we found. Since placing our three-year-old girls in a Waldorf school in Spain, we have been amazed at the excellent education they are receiving and notice too how happy they are.

Now that we live half the year in Malta, we’d like to see our daughters having the possibility of receiving this model of education here too.  I also think that Maltese people and other foreigners living in Malta should have more options when it comes to choosing the type of education they would like to have for their children.

In brief, what is the Waldorf approach to education?

The key to Waldorf is its premise that success is not about achieving certain scores and working hard, but that real success is much more about feeling good about yourself, being happy and optimistic, being able to enjoy healthy relationships, being fulfilled in work and having the capacity to enjoy the adventure of this fabulous life.  It supports children to develop their full potential as human beings.

It recognises that childhood is for children not little adults. Waldorf therefore encourages children to be able to play, explore, discover and discern their way to knowledge and understanding rather than sit at a desk and be fed information that may or may not actually serve them in life.

Dance, theatre, creativity and music are the natural ways that children engage in life when given permission to do so. They are core in the Waldorf ‘curriculum’ for example.

What steps are you taking to see about bringing a Waldorf or similar style educational model to Malta?

Step 1: Contacting parents interested in having this type of education for their children

Step 2: Defining a shared vision

Step 3: Defining a scope for the project, plan and schedule

Step 4: Drafting a budget for it

Step 5: Going ahead with the project.

These steps are not necessary sequential, indeed, once we’ve got a group of parents interested, we would already start actively looking for teachers and thinking about a convenient place to start the school.

How can anyone interested get in touch and participate?

Email me, Julián Sáez, at waldorfmalta@gmail.com.

Photo: Lucidtech

Malta's schools start back after summer - finally!

Malta is back to school. I’ve just spent three hours labeling school books, pens, bags, drink bottles and you name it, anything that can and will be lost or mislaid. At the 11th hour, I discovered I had to mend a school shirt minus buttons that have vanished somewhere over summer… and now, nearing midnight, I’ll be making the dreaded ‘No, I don’t want sandwiches’ lunch box.

There’s nothing so far in my preparations for back to school that’s so very different from those parents anywhere in Europe face. But, hang on, yes, there is a one glaring difference – I’ve had a month more than many of my European counterparts to get to grips with book lists and buttons. Because Malta gives its kids a whopping three months summer holiday; this year’s was 13 weeks +. The holidays are so long in Malta that it’s been known for some teachers to get seasonal jobs as cabin crew  - Air Malta’s difficulties have no doubt put paid to that little earner this summer.

My question to Malta’s educational powers that be is why, oh why do our kids go back so late when countries equally as hot have their school kids at their desks from early September?  Only one school in Malta I know kicks off at the beginning of September, because it follows the International Baccalaureate curriculum and needs to. It copes.

The answer, I am told by a man in the know, is that a collective agreement with teachers a good few years back, if not decades ago, has enshrined this three month vacation.  Teachers got a good deal and there isn’t any indication this situation is likely to change for years. Meanwhile, we all know, educationalists too, that the short school year, among the shortest in EU countries, means our children have to cram, cram, cram to get through the curriculum. The tradition has put paid to a more paced development for our children, both social and academic. Some would argue that the summer holidays more than compensate and that not all learning is done in class. But Malta has a very traditional, exam-led system that puts a lot of pressure on kids. Alternative or more imaginative learning is not order of the day. And parents tend to put pressure on children to perform, from very young ages too.

So, parents out there contemplating an expat move to Malta, be warned, especially if you are both working parents and don’t have convenient family around to lend a hand with childcare.  Summers are long, very long. Not just hot!

Today, I celebrate the return to school but incredibly so does my son; even he says three months is a long time, and he’s keen to get back to see friends and have some structure and routine.

Perhaps that’s the lesson in all this. Malta’s long summer holidays prevent the “whining school-boy, with his satchel…creeping like snail unwillingly to school” (to quote Shakespeare’s As you Like it‘). And to steal from Shakespeare again, you could say there’s method in this madness after all.

Addendum: apparently Bulgaria sees 16 weeks school summer holidays! And the UK’s kids aren’t ‘Uber’ performers despite having the shortest summer holidays in Europe.

Malta offers a host of other sports and activities that are just as social, fitness-minded and ideal for kids to pick up even from a young age. Tennis is one such sport and it has a lot going for it when it comes to youngsters’ physical and social development. Yet its potential has been traditionally neglected and underplayed in Malta on both school curricula and among free-time sports.

Exactly why it should feature less on our agendas is hard to fathom. Perhaps parents feel tennis coaching for the Under 10s costly, or they think it’s only for precociously sporty kids who already have their sights set on a Grand Slam court from age four.  Maybe they see it as less of a team sport and therefore less sociable. But, we can dismiss all these notions if we take a look at a pioneering kids’ tennis programme that’s a newcomer on the Malta tennis scene – Elitennis Malta ‘mini-tennis’.

What is Elitennis?

Run by professional coach Ian Smith – a former national coach for Egypt and Malta – Elitennis Under 10s is aimed at giving kids a life-long love of tennis whatever their ability or take-out from the game. It starts children off with mini courts and modified equipment to ensure they learn in an age- and ability-appropriate steps. Elitennis is about making sure entry to the game is easy, fun and sociable.   

However, it doesn’t dumb down the idea that tennis is a competitive game.  In fact, one of its aims is to help Malta produce the best 10 and 11 year old players who are well equipped to progress into older age group events and stages. Elitennis seeks first and foremost to give kids a sport they can take onwards with them in life and play anywhere. So parents, forget the tutu and the studded boots and just kit out your kids with a simple pair of trainers (Elitennis course fees include the smaller rackets!) – and give Elitennis a go this autumn. Course Details see below.

Elitennis coach Ian Smith in action
In this clip, Ian takes us through the Elitennis key philosophies during a typical training session at their base, the Union Club, Sliema.

Course Details: The autumn course starts 24 September. Elitennis is offering an Early Bird discount to the first 20 to sign up through Malta Insideout. See full course details and offer info here and download a voucher for the offer.

Elitennis Malta Malta Union Club, Sliema Email:  tennisprofessional@hotmail.co.uk Mob: +356 79002923 Facebook: Elitennis on Facebook

Beach tennis, a good fun introduction to the sport

There’s a beach tennis court marked out at Golden Bay.  The kids found it before we adults.  We realised that something was going on as usually they pester for ice-creams, drinks, snacks, help with snorkels and so on. But, when 15 minutes went by undisturbed, we looked up to spot them engrossed in beach tennis and, what’s more, being coached by professional coach Ian Smith.  All on a regular Sunday on the beach.

Tennis is a sport most of us have a go at some point in our lives, but often forget.  Beach Tennis in Malta, conveniently in situ at Golden Bay on most summer weekends, is a great way to get back into the sport or start it afresh,  and perhaps get into it all year round.

We asked Ian to give us the low-down on tennis’ benefits for young and old, island resident or visitor,  and how to go about it in Malta. Ian is a qualified, experienced coach (find him working out of the Union Club, Sliema) and stresses that pro session aren’t exclusive or just for the born players among us; his motto is that tennis is truly a sport for all, and definitely one for our climate in Malta.

 Is tennis for me? Here’s Ian’s word on it…

Get fit + play tennis = fun.  Tennis is for everyone regardless of whether or not you have played before.  Adult beginners learn great new skills while having a great workout.  For adults, there are also the benefits of weight loss, learning new skills and engaging in a very social sport.

Tennis is truly a sport of a lifetime and with people regularly playing into their 70′s and 80′s.  The myth about tennis is that it is played by the elite and wealthy which of course is simply not true.  If you master the skills, you’ll find a sport to engage in almost anywhere in the world.   The health benefits to children and adults are second to no other sport given tennis’ cardiovascular workout and the coordination you develop coupled with the competitive and social aspects.

Having coached at every level of the game and having introduced nearly 30,000 children to the sport over a 25 year period, I can vouch for the benefits time and time again.

It is essential for a coach or ‘pro’ to be qualified to international standards, particularly if you’re setting kids on a tennis path.  Parents should ensure they choose a coach that truly understands how children learn.  The environment has to be condusive and stimulating to make tennis both interesting and fun and be able also to deliver a fantastic learning experience.

Another myth, is that tennis is ‘hitting the ball over the net’ – of course this is the aim but tennis offers a unique and unparalleled education with a coach that teaches the sport progressively.

We specialise in teaching tennis to children under the age of 10 using a worldclass system that uses modified equipment to make tennis more logical and enjoyable.  Each child has the same experience and the progressive system nurtures the child in health, coordination, socially, physically and competitively.

5 reasons to get kids playing tennis:

• development of hand-eye coordination (vital skills that last a lifetime)
• health – win the battle of childhood obesity!
• teamwork & sportmanship – social skills
• discipline & perseverance
• FUN! - tennis is fun, plain and simple!

More Info

Ian Smith runs Elitennis Malta, Under 10s Programme.  Find out more about Beach Tennis here.

Course Details:

The Elitennis Malta, Under 10s autumn course starts 24 September. Elitennis is offering an Early Bird discount to the first 20 to sign up through Malta Insideout. See full course details and offer info here and contact us for your offer voucher number. Alternatively, sign up for our eNews (see above, right) to access the voucher link in our next issue, out 1 September.

Elitennis Malta Malta Union Club, Sliema
Email:
tennisprofessional@hotmail.co.uk;
Mob: +356 79002923
Facebook:  Elitennis on Facebook

Photo: courtesy Controvento

And to put this in context….
In Malta, and in some southern parts of continental Europe, ‘summer’s out’ lasts a record three months. For instance, this year, most Maltese schools broke up on the 26th June and are back on 26th September. Three solid months of fun or mayhem, depending which side of the fence you’re on. Plus, in June, Maltese schools operate a half-day system ending at 12.30 which means in effect a four-month holiday as far as parents are concerned. So, if you’ve moving to Malta with kids in tow, you are forewarned. Kids though find this state of affairs highly attractive, or do they?

The Good

1. No school for three months, and no early starts. (Note: some kids are waiting at bus pick up points as early at 06.30 in term time).

2. Beach practically every day if you want! So long as parents can get you there and back as waiting for the bus isn’t nice in the heat.

3. Lots more junk food such as ice creams, pizzas, pastizzi, granita, take-aways from beach bars, and lots of BBQ sausages. Mums are too hot to bother to cook much in summer, so kids get more ‘convenience’ food of various kinds.

4. Get to make new friends at summer school activities (and avoid the school kids you hate) and meet real friends from school (and not be bothered by those you aren’t keen on)

5. Have sleepovers any weekday night, camp out on the beach and stay up really late!  Families here tend to keep little kids up very late in summer as they all go for an evening meal or passeggiata along a seafront to get some air and to socialise.

6. Get to go to Playmobil a lot (the factory funpark is very popular with younger kids, and it’s airconditioned so parents benefit too!), and Splash ‘n’ Fun (Malta’s open-air water park).

The Bad

1. Summer schools and various summer activities. they can be good fun, but by the second month of summer, we’d rather like to be able to get up late, not rush somewhere and just bum around at home in front of a screen. (If parents work, then summer school is a must not an option to be able to get bored kids through a very long hot summer.)

2. Other kids at summer school and other teachers. a lot are a real pain, and some ‘teachers’ are even stricter than our normal school teachers.

3. Beach. It’s OK, but we don’t like to go every day. We’re quite happy at a TV/computer/Wii screen too.

4. Summer can be as organised as school terms: parents often make sure their kids are catered for a lot so as to avoid hearing the ‘I’m bored..’ phrase.

5. We see a lot of granny: a lot of kids, especially the very young, tend to end up staying with grandma after summer school as their parents work. It’s probably not fair to some older, or less fit grannies, and not fair to the active kids who want to do more than granny can!

6. Parents tend to shout more: not surprising really, since they have their darling kids around almost 24/7 and have to think how to keep them occupied in the heat for 3 months! Tempers are bound to fray.

Hot summers?

First, let’s start the matter at hand: why so long a holiday when neighbouring countries, with equally hot climates, seem able to get their kids back to school at around the start of September? Maltese schools, state or private, are too cash strapped for air-conditioners, or feel they are environmentally unacceptable to use? No, that can’t be the reason. It’s always been three months, so it remains that way. Plus ça change.

A teacher told me that the year is hard work, and that three months wasn’t three months for them as they still had papers to mark, end year to sort out and be back earlier than the children come September (well, teachers do these ‘chores’ as part of their work in countries with far shorter summer breaks too).

Time’s short

The short year means that children have to spend a lot of the autumn term revising the work of the summer term before. I’ve seen this with my eight year-old, and certainly younger children can forget even basic things over the long summer months. This means they lose new learning time in the first term back.

The short school year isn’t the only issue; we’ve also very short school days. At my son’s school, they are a bit longer than most (8.30 – 2.45) but at most state and a lot of private schools, the day ends at around 1 to 1.30pm. Combine the short days and short teaching year and you’ve a considerable shortfall in active learning time compared to the rest of the European Union. I always had a hunch that the summer holidays were a flawed aspect of the Maltese school system; not only because I find them completely exhausting to survive as a working parent. Now, I’ve some ammunition to back up my personal feelings about the issue.

The big issue

According to a Eurodyce report on Key Data in Education in Europe in 2009, in most countries, taught time increases as children progress through school, with the exception of Malta, where the number of school hours in primary and secondary schools stay the same. Malta has vast numbers of children, some 78 per cent of Maltese fourth and fifth formers in 2008, going to private lessons outside school hours in order to beef up their learning time. While we learn from the Eurydice report that students from the northern Europe rarely attend extra tutoring outside their normal schooling hours.

Professor of Education at the University of Nottingham, Roger Murphy, who has been involved in a review six years ago of the Maltese examination board for school-leaving exams, the so-called MATSEC exams, was quoted recently while he was here on follow-up work, saying that he has seen no signs of improvement in various indicators in the education system including in the length of the school year. “When compared with a wide range of other education systems in developed countries, students in Malta are still receiving a very low number of hours of schooling,” he told The Times of Malta.

Where next?

So, as I see three months looming ahead, my heart sinks to hear Prof Murphy’s words, coming as they do six years on from his earlier assessment. Nothing has changed in that time, so I start another three-month summer holiday with the nagging thought that the education system here is failing our children. Sure, they pass exams, sure they can still do well. But at what price financially to parents and psychologically to our kids if they are cramming in all those private lessons because no one will buy aircons. For how long can heat be the poor excuse in this era of technology?

Photo:  by Mountainwaves

Think ‘mother’ and of Mediterranean countries, and you’re likely to think of the Italian-style mama. That comforting stable figure at the heart of the Mediterranean family; the person at home and hearth, providing for kids, ladeling out minestrone and pasta at the end of the day.

Malta’s stereotypical, traditional mama is this person. With the islands’ mystical ‘fat lady’ statues from prehistoric times alluding to an Ur-alt cult of fertility, it is little wonder that Malta is attached to this image of the mother despite today’s realities. One of which is that a quarter of Maltese women have experienced domestic violence.

In celebration of mothers’ day, the prime minister’s wife, Kate Gonzi and Labour opposition leader’s wife, Michelle Muscat, were on the podium together, at an event organised a couple of days ago by the anti-divorce movement Zwieg bla-divorzu. They were discussing the role of women in today’s Malta, or rather their ideal view of that role. As predicted, they reinforced the image of that traditional mama; that a prime role of women here was to ensure the stability of the family.

The words were hardly out of the policitians’ wives’ mouths, when alternative views sprang up on blogs. One in particular, My Voice, by award-winning freelance journalist Caroline Muscat, caught our attention. “Discourse relating to the submissiveness of women over their emancipation ensures that nothing is done to stem the tide of abuse,” Caroline says. “It would have been far more relevant had prominent women like Kate Gonzi and Michelle Muscat taken a stand against the shocking reality of the violence Maltese women face in their homes – the family is not always a sanctuary, and women facing violence at home should be encouraged to walk away.”

Read Caroline’s post, entitled ‘With women like these…’, in full on her blog My Voice to understand what we should be focusing on this mothers’ day in Malta. Not the mother, but the person; someone capable of independent thought not defined by a dependency role.

Caroline Muscat is a journalist writing for major publications in Malta and abroad. She was awarded the European Commission’s national prize for journalism against discrimination in 2010.

Photo: Hydrangeas courtesy V. Sanderson

Few parents in Malta relish children's parties. But smile, because these are something new

We so often refer to children as the future, but actually they are very much the present too. Unless we enrich their experience now, how can they become the agents of change we expect them to be? A neighbourhood-level project that draws children from varied backgrounds together in a spirit of unity is perhaps one way of doing this – and it has already achieved success right on our doorstep in St Paul’s Bay. The project? Children’s parties with a difference!

A group of individuals committed to a vision of unity, community-building and the moral education of children is bringing a very different style of ‘kids’ party’ to some localities. Starting to sound dull? Not quite, gauging from the parents’ involvement and more importantly the glowing faces of the kids in St Paul’s Bay.

Qualities such as unity, generosity, love, truthfulness – they are all too often grouped under ‘being good’ (the polar opposite of ‘being naughty’) when raising our children. But if these qualities are an essential part of what it means to be human, if they are indeed spiritual qualities, shouldn’t we learn a bit more about each one? What does unity look like in the eyes of a child? How do we practice it?

And so…the series of neighbourhood children’s parties was born. These ‘parties’ are a chance for local children to learn about a particular virtue with new friends through games, singing, drama and art – new concepts, new faces, in a popular format. Free of charge and open to all, the parties quite naturally bring together a diversity of nationalities within one neighbourhood– the first party attracted Maltese, German, English, and African families, all resident in Malta. They shared at least one thing in common: a desire to offer their children a more meaningful social experience.

A handful of volunteers made heart-shaped invitations with children they already knew, to give out to their friends and local families. Introductory name games and songs, along with a lot of laughter, soon bonded the children and chased away any shyness. ‘Unity’ was the first theme, and the kids (ranging from 3-9) were encouraged to share their understanding of this – revealing lots of ‘gems’ in the process! Creative activities soon helped to make the concept even clearer and more relevant to their young but busy lives. After the must-have party snacks and drinks, each child left smiling and eager to return the following week.

Several weeks later, the parties were still going strong but were naturally evolving into a more sustainable programme of weekly classes. What is perhaps most surprising is the unifying effect of such a small step. Strangers are brought together in a multitude of ways in our fast-paced culture, but rarely do they form lasting ties of friendship based on the concept of service. Malta is a perfect setting for just such a step – an island of cultural diversity but one that still places value on traditional family life and ties. We all talk about improving the world, but the world is simply a web of neighbourhoods and if we look at the potential of our own, the process of betterment can begin right away!

More Info
If you are interested in finding out more about these new-style of children’s ‘parties’ (groups), contact: Genevieve Burnett. The idea for these parties was born in Italy, and has quickly spread and been taken up now in Malta. Another group is soon to start in Mosta, and the organisers are looking for people willing to help develop the groups in more localities in Malta.

Photo: Rachel Caiano

Let's just say Malta's roads are challenging....

As the weather cools and autumn begins to set in finally, my thoughts turn to cycling. But when a neighbour who is a triathlete told me the other day that she won’t cycle on the roads anymore, it hit home that cycling in Malta is not only not for the faint hearted, it’s increasingly not for the pros either.

Little more than a year ago, a leading figure in cycling in Malta was killed on the coast road at dawn while out training for the annual Betfair LifeCycle Challenge, a long-distance charity cycle from Malta across Europe which raises money to support patients suffering from renal disorders.

The only conclusion anyone can draw from these two incidents is that however expert a cyclist you are, cycling in Malta is probably more dangerous than you think, and requires all your wits about you, all the time, and a lot of precision planning. Drivers don’t think about bikes, let alone ‘think bike, think twice’.

It won’t stop me cycling this winter, and I will not be alone; as I drive or cycle around the islands I see more and more cyclist out, and in pro gear and on ace bikes looking as if they are training for the Tour de France. It’s a sport that in theory lends itself to small islands where everything is within cycling distance. But as with most aspects of Malta, small is a double-edged sword. Here are some things to think about if you’re keen to cycle Malta:

Where to cycle:
I just about manage to cycle from my door and out into countryside almost immediately. But with a lot of Malta urban, you may find you need a bike rack on the car to get you somewhere suitable to start a ride. Away from the urban arc that covers the south-east of Malta, you’ll find smaller roads everywhere in varying degrees of countryside, but not necessarily quiet countryside – more like suburbs. Central Malta can be tricky to negotiate as major arterial routes need crossing or joining in places. I know my favourite patches to cycle (limits of Rabat, past Buskett, up to Dingli Cliffs, Girgenti and back), but suggest you post your recommendations for good safe cycling areas in the comments below. A family I know gave up on Gozo as it was ‘all hills, all the time’! If you’ve kids, then where to cycle is even trickier…

With Kids:
A magazine here recently had an advert showing a family out cycling on a pleasant woodland path! Where I wonder? I can’t think of any sufficiently long path in any ‘wood’ in Malta suitable to cycle with little ones. Yet, from experience, I’d say keep them well off roads of any kind until they are very steady and road aware – you need to train them for the latter. Under 8 – 10 years, I’d say stick to seafronts (Marsascala, Qawra-Bugibba, or St Julians-Sliema; or Zurrieq) or take the bikes to Ta’ Qali (but don’t assume the roads are quiet there at weekends). If they are learning and still have outriders, Ta’ Qali is a bit tough as the ground is rough and stony; otherwise you are in the car park or on the roads. Very small kids who aren’t speed kings can get away with being in playgrounds. But once they are more confident don’t cycle in kids’ play areas at all. I don’t like my son on seafronts as strictly they are for pedestrians, but what can you do? Cycle lanes? ermm…

A Word on Cycle Lanes
Increasingly, you’ll find cycle lanes marked either on a wide pavement alongside the pedestrian ‘lane’ or in a kind of hard shoulder area. There are some stretches that go far enough to do a reasonable cycle, especially if you’ve kids with you. The two that spring to mind are along the Mgarr road from Mosta direction, and along the perimeter of the airport heading to Hal Far. The cycle lanes are a start, and let’s give them their due. But don’t relax on them: they can be used as ‘overtaking lanes’ and of course, they inevitably end all too soon on some main road junction. As a driver, I would also urge cyclists never to cycle two abreast, even if you think you’re on a quiet road.

A cyclist’s dream for Malta
I long for a Malta version of the Avenue Verte, that takes cyclists traffic-free, or virtually traffic free from London to Paris. It’s nearing completion the French side and more is being done the UK end to get it ready by around 2020. Imagine cycling Malta top to toe not touching the roads. That would be something to encourage kids and families to enjoy cycling as it should be – in relative safety. Malta’s smallness should make it possible to get heads together on this one quicker than they are doing on the Avenue Verte?

Useful Links:
Malta Mountain Bike Association
Malta Cycling Federation – website doesn’t seem to be up but try this for contact details.

Road Cycling Clubs:
Qormi Cycling Club
Team Greens
Mosta Cycling Club

Others:
www.letsgocycling.org
Life Cycle Challenge
Malta Triathlon Association

Photo: Courtesy of Betfair LifeCycle Challenge

Today, I was at Golden Bay with friends and kids in tow and swimming very near the channel (hotel end) marked off with buoys for the power boats, pedalos and jet skis to get out into the open sea.  The ‘Big Mable’ floating bed and banana boats were moored in a nearby channel and were all too tempting for curious kids wanting a diversion.  One boy strayed into the boat channel without noticing. In a few seconds, we saw panicked parent,  boy retrieved and told off and an episode that ended safely.  But it was a harsh reminder that accidents are waiting to happen on our beaches, even when sea conditions are smooth and calm.  Here’s some useful, timely reading to cast your eyes over to help us all stay water safe this summer….

We ran an advice piece on water safety and kids a while back.  But there are less obvious ways we can be in difficulty in the water.  For instance, would you know how to recognise the signs of someone drowning. We are conditioned, probably by films, to think that people who are drowning wave their arms around, shout and look in distress in the water. If they are managing to wave and shout, then they are likely to be ‘in distress’ but not actually drowning; not at that point. Their noise will trigger our reaction, and lifeguards into action. But it’s those who are silent in the water we need to look out for…

I read a blog post by a guy who has 19 years of US Navy and Coastguard service and writes on all aspects of water safety. He said that drowning doesn’t look like drowning. Because people who are drowning are usually silent, unable to shout as their remaining breaths are for gulping air not voice production, and their arms and hands will be underwater paddling downwards in an attempt to propel their bodies upwards. Because they are silent and their movements underwater, we are less likely to notice their plight.

The article is an eye opener, and led me elsewhere to read about another possibility – ‘delayed drowning‘ which can happen hours after a person has gulped water into their lungs. As island folk with sea and pools the mainstay of our summers, we need to recognise the signs drowning and delayed drowning.

Now, I don’t write ths to shock you, but more to make us all realise we need to at least be aware of the signs of drowning and delayed drowning. Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha beaches have life guards (10am – 6pm), but we leisure and pleasure swimmers are out there, and our alertness may save someone this summer.

So please click here and read the article I read. And let’s all hope for a safe summer in sea and pools.