Here Are All The Things You Can Benefit From At This Maltese Sixth Form
It’s almost back-to-school time here in Malta, and that obviously means a whole bunch of us will be starting a brand new chapter of our lives. And whether you’re heading into sixth form, University, or you’re just giving education another go, a big change can always be a little overwhelming.
There’s a bunch of reasons as to why students pick Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School in Naxxar as the setting for next chapter of their lives, and if you haven’t really exposed yourself to the benefits of attending GCHSS yet, we’re about to break it down for you.
GCHSS offers several different courses at different educational levels as well as other supplementary courses and subjects.
1. Matriculation Certificate course
This is the ‘standard’ sixth Form course, where individuals pick two A Level subjects and three intermediate subjects, along with the compulsory Systems of Knowledge. The duration of the course is two years long, and the entry requirements are five O’ Level subjects at level five or better.
Subjects are divided into four groups, and students are to choose one subject from each of Groups 1, 2 and 3 and another two subjects from any other group.
2. A/I/O Course
This is another two year course, and the requirements for the A/I/O Course are four O Level subjects at grade five or better. The course is made up of four subjects ranging from A to O Level, and students must choose one subject at A Level and three subjects at any other level. This means that you could choose to study four subjects at A Level, or mix and match based on your requirements. The ability to study at lest three subjects at A Level opens up many opportunities fro those who wish to study abroad, where entry requirements differ to the local university.
Students who are not in possession of an O Level in a foreign language are required to pick a language as a part of the Foreign Language Proficiency Programme.
3. 18+ Individual Study Programme
This is a one-year-long refresher course for anyone who has already spent two years at sixth form, or anyone over the age of 18.
Students can follow a number of subjects at first and/or second year level. What subjects you can take depends on the availability of classes, and the number of subjects taken depends on timetable constraints.
4. Foreign Language Proficiency Programme
The FLPP is a part-time course that allows students to enhance their knowledge of a third language, while still pursuing their career of choice. The certificate gained is equivalent to an O-Level subject, and the languages offered include French, German, Italian and Spanish.
5. Non-formal Accredited Study Programme
GCHSS strives to equip students with a range of 21st Century skills and outlets to excel creatively. While working on achieving their academic qualifications, GCHSS students will be able to develop life skills to help them adjust to an ever-changing environment in a non-formal manner. Students are given the opportunity to hone their soft skills such as creativity, leadership, motivation, teamwork and communication through a number of programmes such as:
-E-Twinning
-Education for Sustainable Development Introducing EU Affairs
-JAYE Malta Company Programme Leadership Skills
-Mind Yoga for Wellness and Achievement Photography
-Practicing Entrepreneurship Skills
-The Art of Drama
-Embracing Diversity in a learning community
-A healthy mind and body: a holistic approach
These one-year programmes are accredited at MQF Level 3, equivalent to an O Level.
GCHSS offers a whole range of subjects from languages to sciences to the arts
And they also have a host of on-campus facilities such as a library, music room, chapel, computer lab and a youth hub. Several on-campus events are organised throughout the year, giving students the chance to be involved with student-life.
Classes are made up of a maximum of 25 students
Meaning that students will be given the individual attention they need in order to achieve their required results. Advanced Level students also have a small class tutorial in addition to their normal lectures. For foreign language classes, oral language practice lessons in very small groups are also provided.
The GCHSS campus is safe and secure, with access only granted to those with a student ID on their GCHSS app. Security guards are also posted across campus and counselling and guidance services are available all year round. The school keeps in close contact with parents, ensuring that the students are benefiting from their education as much as possible.