Senior School

The Senior School, which caters for students between the ages of 11 and 16, is co-educational with a mainstream setting where an inclusive approach is promoted and fostered. It offers a pleasant, welcoming and stimulating environment encouraging the pupils to develop a desire for life-long learning.

The upper floor accomodates spacious and well lit classrooms with class numbers ranging between 15 and 25. The school also includes a Science Laboratory, 2 Computer Laboratories, a Home Economics Room, as well as a Library. Physical Education (P.E.) lessons are held in the gym or outside on the recently refurbished grounds, some with turf. A spacious, well-stocked canteen is available to both students and staff.  

The School is run on an orderly and disciplined system built on promoting positive behaviour to ensure the general well-being of each student.  Equality and fairness are promoted at all levels and in all areas.  This ensures that culture, language, gender, race, religion and special education needs are never barriers to participation. Members of staff work collectively to create a climate of mutual trust, respect and confidence. They are alert to the emotional, physical and social needs of individual pupils.  

Syllabi....
The Senior section also promotes an ethos of achievement. High standards of achievement in a broad range of areas are expected of all pupils.  A vast and balanced curriculum appropriate to the needs of the students is offered at all levels.  The Syllabi of the Senior 1 and 2 classes cover core competencies which include English, Maths, Maltese, Science, Environmental Studies and Religion.  Literature is included in the learning of English and Maltese.  French as a foreign language is introduced at Senior 1 level whereas the teaching of Italian is continued and carried on from the Higher Junior classes.  To further enhance their holistic development students follow Home Economics (theory and practice), Personal and Social Development (P.S.D.), P.E. and Art (also in preparation for subject options in Senior 3). Information Technology basics are done in Senior 1 and the E.C.D.L. course commences in Senior 2.  

At Senior 3 level Syllabi are started in preparation for Matsec School Leaving examinations. The mainstream subjects include English Language and Literature, Maltese Language and Literature, Mathematics, French, Italian and Religion. Options offered include the Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry and Physics; the Commercial subjects: Computer Studies and Accounts; and the Humanities subjects: Art, Home Economics, P.E. and Environmental Studies. Various combinations of the option subjects are offered to cater for the students’ wishes and ambitions. Furthermore in Senior 4 students will be required to choose two out of the three subjects, namely Italian, French and English Literature. The E.C.D.L course is continued to include all seven Modules. P.S.D. and P.E. are also carried on during the three years.  

Assessments....
Assessments are held on a regular basis to monitor the students’ progress. Both formative and summative modes are employed. Teachers in class use various informal approaches to assessment such as observation, questioning and discussion. More formal strategies  include written activities, problem solving and practical activities. Regular tests, besides mid-yearly and annual exams, are set for the Senior classes.  

High Academic Standard....
A high academic standard is maintained throughout the Senior School and culminates in an extensive success in the MATSEC examinations where an average of 85% pass is registered in most subjects every year. As a result, a high percentage of the School leavers are eligible for entry into institutions offering tertiary education.

Sense of School Identity....
A sense of identity and pride prevails throughout the School. A school assembly is organised on a daily basis, where achievements, birthdays, efforts, talents and other experiences are shared and celebrated together. It is a way to create a community feeling and greatly enhances a positive school ethos.  

Other Opportunities....
Furthermore the School offers pupils opportunities to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Class and school outings are organised throughout the school year on a regular basis. Students join in fund-raising activities, cultural and educational outings, and parties for Halloween, Christmas and Carnival. They look forward to participating in the Christmas Concert and Sports Day. Lenten talks and other religious activities are organised for all pupils to enhance their religious and moral development. From time to time specialists in certain fields are invited to make presentations on various topics.  

Subjects offered as options are sometimes offered in different combinations depending on the wishes of the students which are expressed during meetings held between staff, parents, students and administration.