Students are expected to show interest, motivation and commitment in the study courses of their choice. Irregular attendance may lead to disciplinary action and possibly termination of registration.

Students are duty bound to follow their school timetable. Attendance for all lectures, tutorials and practical sessions is obligatory and students’ attendance is recorded daily. Unjustified absence from lectures (even a single lecture) leads to the deduction of stipend for that day.

Students who turn up late for lectures may not be accepted in class.

Students who are absent for more than 70% of lectures will not be allowed to sit for the half-yearly/mid-year tests and/or the annual/end-of-year/end-of-course examinations. Moreover, in such cases of absenteeism the Head of School may terminate the student’s registration at GCHSS.

Students reporting sick, even for one day, must be covered by a medical certificate covering the day/s of absence. A scanned copy/photo of the medical certificate must be sent via email on gchss.naxxar.hs@ilearn.edu.mt by not later than five (5) working days from end of the medical term covered by the certificate.

Medical certificates must be filled in clearly (name, ID number, and address), signed by the student and must include the student’s mobile number on the top left corner.

Should the necessary days of absence be altered by the medical professional for any reason, the medical professional must sign near the altered date.

According to current maintenance grant regulations medical certificates will apply only for 15 school days. Subsequent absences for medical reasons will not be covered by stipend.

Should a student require long absence from school for medical reasons, the student (or, if under 18 years of age, the parent/legal guardian) is to present weekly medical evidence of the situation (a scanned copy of the medical certificate/note is enough). This should be presented to the school via email on gchss.naxxar.hs@ilearn.edu.mt.

An original copy of the medical certificate/s must also be posted in the box marked for Medical Certificates and Excused Notes near Room 1 at the Administration Block by not later than five (5) working days from end of the medical term covered by the certificate.

Students may be excused for:
1. Attending funerals of family members or very close relatives;
2. Educational visits;
3. National Sports competitive events;
4. Medical reasons such as hospital appointments, dentist appointments etc.
5. Examinations of local and foreign boards.

Students should email the school on gchss.naxxar.hs@ilearn.edu.mt indicating the following:
• Name and Surname
• ID number
• Reason for travel
• Students should attach documentation supporting their request

In case of funerals, the attached bereavement form should be filled in: Bereavement Form

Students will only be excused when going abroad for:
1. Medical Reasons;
2. Educational Visits;
3. Representing Malta in competitive events.

Students should email the school on gchss.naxxar.hs@ilearn.edu.mt indicating the following:
• Name and Surname
• ID number
• Reason for travel
• Students should attach documentation supporting their request.

Students will not be excused when taking holidays abroad.

Students who need to miss lessons and leave campus early because they feel unwell or due to unforeseen circumstances must request authorisation to leave premises directly from the Head of School. The student should present a medical certificate or a note (signed by the parent/legal guardian if under 18 years of age) as applicable. This medical certificate/note must be posted in the box marked for Medical Certificates and Excused Notes near Room 1 at the Administration Block. Notes may also be presented via email on gchss.naxxar.hs@ilearn.edu.mt.

Attendance is compulsory for all courses and a minimum of 70% of attendance needs to be reached in order to be eligible for Tests/Examinations and to continue with the course. Students who are eligible to sit for tests/examinations are expected to sit for all their test/examination sessions. Poor attendance and unsatisfactory academic performance can lead to the termination of student registration with the school. 

The academic year is spread over three terms:

1st Term 

During this term the academic report includes: 

• Attendance Mark (70% minimum expected attendance as referred in the School Attendance Policy)
• Continuous Assessment Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)
• Tutorials/Practicals Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)

2nd Term 

Mid-yearly tests for First Year students and End-of-Course exams for Second Year students are held during this term.  During this term the academic report includes: 

• Attendance Mark (70% minimum expected attendance as referred in the School Attendance Policy)
• Continuous Assessment Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)
• Tutorials/Practicals Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)
• Mid-Year test mark for First Year students (Pass Mark: 45%) or End-of-Course examination mark for Second Year students (Pass Mark: 45%)

3rd Term 

End-of-Year/Annual exams for First Year students are held during this term. 

During this term the academic report includes:

• Attendance Mark (70% minimum expected attendance as referred in the School Attendance Policy)
• Continuous Assessment Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)
• Tutorials/Practicals Mark (Pass Mark: 45%)
• End-of-Year/Annual examination mark for First Year students (Pass Mark: 45%)

Promotion to Second Year is based on the following criteria:

• Either obtaining a pass mark in all End-of-Year/Annual exams;
• Or failing in only one End-of-Year/Annual exam;
• Students who fail in two End-of-Year/Annual exams may be promoted to Second Year based on their overall academic performance as evidenced by the Academic Reports;
• Students who fail in three or more subjects will not be promoted.

Discipline is necessary for the proper functioning of any educational institution. It is also crucial for the provision of a safe and secure environment. GCHSS expects the highest standards of behaviour in all aspects of school life from all its students. This is conducive to effective teaching and learning in the best interest of the entire school community.

Whether certain behaviour is considered acceptable or not depends on the situation and particular circumstances. However, there are certain types of conduct that are not tolerated at all times. These include:

• Disturbing the class, disrupting the lesson or disobeying the educator;  
• Eating during lessons;
• Damaging school property or committing or participating in acts of vandalism in all its forms;
• Littering;
• Improper language;
• Inappropriate behaviour on the school premises;
• Smoking/substance abuse;
• Use or possession of any item that can be used as a weapon;
• Theft;
• Copyright infringement or other abuse of digital equipment;
• Harassing in all its forms, bullying, slander, intimidation or stalking made in person, by phone, in writing or in electronic form;

Moreover, students must ensure that mobile phones are kept silent during lectures.

Violation of this policy may lead to suspension, forfeiting the maintenance grant, and/or the termination of registration.

Casual wear is the standard gear for students. The school is aware of the importance of clothes for students with regards to their self-presentation. However, suitability and propriety in dress and appearance are expected. Students are not allowed in school if they are improperly dressed. More specifically, this includes:

• Sleeveless tops
• Strapless/narrow straps and low-cut tops
• Bare midriffs
• T-shirts with offensive or political slogans
• Shorts
• Miniskirts
• Heavy piercings
• Heavy jewellery

PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BY STUDENTS IN THE EVENT OF FIRE 

On discovery of a fire:

• Activate the fire alarm call point (break glass point) where available or contact nearest administration.
• Only tackle fire with the proper fire-fighting equipment if there is no danger to you and you are aware of the correct procedures to use the equipment.

On hearing the fire alarm: 

• Students are to follow teacher to the designated ASSEMBLY POINT (AP) in an orderly fashion. DO NOT RUN.  If possible, the last one out is to close the classroom door.
• At the AP, students, along with their teacher, should line up in front of the sign designating the building the lesson was held in.
• It is important to remain with your class and teacher throughout the evacuation exercise.
• Remember that evacuation is the priority. It is not necessary to close windows and turn off any electrical or gas appliances.  However, if a gas leak is suspected, DO NOT SWITCH ON/OFF ANY ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT.  
• Do NOT take any personal belongings (i.e. school bags, books etc…).
• Do NOT use mobile phones during the fire evacuation exercise. 
• Do NOT use lifts during a fire evacuation.
• Follow instructions of Assembly point monitors (in high visibility clothing).
• Once at the assembly point, the teachers will take class attendance and any missing students will be reported to the assembly monitors.
• DO NOT RE-ENTER BUILDING UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY COMPETENT AUTHORITY.
• If you are not in class when the alarm rings, you are to leave the block you are in from the nearest exit point and proceed to the designated assembly point.  If you are on school grounds you are to proceed to nearest assembly point.  You should stay with the persons you were with before the alarm was sounded and report to AP monitors (in high visibility clothing) any missing persons.
• No one will be allowed to exit or enter the school premises during an evacuation exercise.
• If you are stopped from entering the school premises, please park your car away from the gate so as not to obstruct emergency vehicles.

EXITS TO BE USED DURING AN EVACUATION EXERCISE
(AN ALTERNATIVE EXIT IS TO BE USED ONLY IF EXIT IS BLOCKED)

• Belvedere Block
  • Main Exit – All Classrooms
• Lecture Block
  • Main Lecture Block Exit – Classes on ground, first and second floor.
  • Lab Emergency Exit – Laboratories
  • Side Lecture Block Exit (opposite canteen)- Classrooms on lower level
• Administration Block
  • Side exit (opposite Lecture Block) –  Offices 
  • Hall Foyer (Main Exit) – Subject coordinators’ rooms and classrooms on first floor and Hall.
  • Administration Annex Exit – classrooms in administration annex and ex-library.
  • Backstage Exit – Backstage rooms.
  • SOK Block Exit – Classrooms in SOK block.
  • Canteen Main Exit – Canteen
• New Block
  • Main Exit on Level One – Classrooms on Levels One, Two and Three.
  • Reference Library Exit – Reference Library
  • Emergency Exit (next to Teachers’ Lab) – Teachers’ Computer Room, Lending Library and Le Bureau.
• PE Block
  • Front exits of gym

ASSEMBLY POINTS

ASSEMBLY POINTS ACCORDING TO BLOCK YOU WERE IN:

• Belvedere Block – Belvedere in front of MCAST Workshops.
• Lecture Block – Belvedere in front of Lecture Block
• Canteen – Middle of Belvedere near Canteen
• Administration Block (Offices and rooms on first floor) – Middle of Belvedere near Canteen
• 1^st Floor Administration – Outdoor Sports Ground
• Administration Annex – Outdoor Sports Ground
• Hall – Outdoor Sports Ground
• Backstage – Outdoor Sports Ground
• SOK Block – Outdoor Sports Ground
• PE Block – Outdoor Sports Ground
• New Block – Outdoor Sports Ground
• Outdoor basketball court and football grounds Canteen – Outdoor Sports Ground

AT THE ASSEMBLY POINT, PLEASE ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE SIGN DESIGNATING THE BLOCK YOU WERE IN WHEN THE ALARM RANG.

 First Aid boxes are located in each school block. These are sign posted.

It is important that all members of staff and students follow this simple procedure when a student sustains an injury or needs some kind of assistance:

1. In case of an emergency, any member of the staff can call 112 for an ambulance to take student to hospital. SMT has to be informed as soon as a member of staff calls for an ambulance.
2. The teacher responsible of the student must at once inform the School Administration or the Assistant Head of the Block;
3. School Administration will assess the situation and call parents and, if needs be send student home;
4. If the students are free when any accident happens, they are to inform the closest member of staff.
5. An AED is available in the Administration Block. Please follow instructions once it is activated.

Through its mission statement Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School aims to promote the inclusion of all students by providing for flexibility in the recruitment process of students with individual educational needs. Students who require support must produce a Statement of support and other relevant documentation. Applications from students with individual educational needs are processed in advance of the registration process so ensure the provision of support requested. However, for students to be eligible, it is to be noted that all applicants still need to fulfil basic entry requirements.

Students with individual educational needs can benefit from the following support structure: 

1. An Assistant Head of School designated for the responsibility of inclusive education
2. A Learning Support Unit
3. Counselling and Guidance to help students with individual educational needs in:

• Their choice of subjects. 

• Organising annually Making Action Plans (MAP) sessions, Individual Educational Programmes (IEP) and annual IEP Reviews. 
• Personal counselling and special arrangements for school and MATSEC examinations. 
• Personal and social development sessions tailor made for the individual student. 
• Developing links with other agencies such as: Jobsplus; MCAST; ITS and the University of Malta. 
• Empowering them to make their voices heard and to participate fully in the educational process.
• The provision of other support services as needed: a Learning Support Educator; specialised peripatetic teacher; sign language interpretation. 
• The provision of any other support deemed necessary and appropriate. 

GCHSS aims to: 

• Integrate diversity and equal opportunity into all its activities. 
• Avoid discrimination on the grounds of gender, race, disability, age, religion and belief, sexual orientation, or other distinction. 
• Work with diversity in a wholly positive way to promote understanding, equality and inclusiveness. 
• Ensure that staff, students, and visitors receive fair and equal treatment. 
• Ensure that our buildings are accessible to staff, students, and visitors with disability as far as is reasonable and possible.

Students who have studied abroad and are applying to continue their studies at GCHSS need to present a qualification recognition certificate. To obtain this certificate students are required to contact the Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre.  A certificate indicating the level of education compared to the Maltese education system will be issued. 

Foreign students in possession of an eID can apply online through the school website. Foreign students not in possession of an eID can only apply through the school. 

All foreign students (EU nationals or Third Country nationals) also need to present the following documents:  

1. A valid (not expired) Residence Permit Card obtained from Identity Malta;  
2. A copy of the original passport or ID card;  
3. A copy of the original passports or ID cards of parents or legal guardians;  
4. A copy of a valid (not expired) Residence Permit Card of parents or legal guardians;  
5. A copy of work permit/or licence to operate a business of one of the parents or legal guardian;  
6. A copy of contract of lease of residence of parents or legal guardians; 
7. A copy of recognition of the academic qualifications by MQRIC. Only a Level 3 or equivalent (or better) is accepted by GCHSS. The student might be asked to sit for a proficiency test in English;  
8. Third Country nationals (non-EU) are requested to pay the required fee at the Education Division, Accounts Section, Great Siege Road, Floriana. A receipt of payment for the whole scholastic year is to be presented;  
9. Third Country nationals (non-EU) may request exemption from fees by applying at the Educational Institutions Board, Education Division, Great Siege Road, Floriana. 

‘Social and digital media’ broadly encapsulates various online platforms including but not limited to blogs, wikis, social networking sites, collaborative sites, forums etc.

GCHSS acknowledges the importance of the social and digital media in the teaching and learning process coupled to conventional pedagogical methods as directed by the educator. The school shall strive to ensure that students can benefit from official social and digital media platforms as is reasonably and technologically feasible.

The official pedagogical platforms recognised by GCHSS are Microsoft Teams and MySchool.

The use of technological devices during lessons shall exclusively be for educational purposes as directed by the educator.

Students shall keep their mobile phones switched off or on silent mode during lesson contact hours.

Students shall not be allowed to make or receive calls during lesson contact hours, both through laptop and mobile phones. In exceptional circumstances, students may inform the educator that they need to make or receive a call for valid personal reasons. This may be allowed at the discretion of the educator.

The setting of assignments on a digital platform and the subsequent electronic submission and correction, marking or provision of feedback on any work by the students shall be at the discretion of the educator.

The taking, publishing and distribution of photographs or videos during lesson contact hours is strictly prohibited unless authorised by an educator. Any permitted photographs or videos shall not include images of the educator or any of the other students in class unless with authorised consent.

Any photographs or videos taken on campus with individual students or staff as intended subjects can only be published and distributed if there is official consent by the person/s involved.

GCHSS reserves the right to take and publish photographs and videos of its campus or any events held on its premises or outside as long as the events are organised by the school.

Student email communication with GCHSS staff shall be through the iLearn account address. Students may however use their private email account only if they are obliged to do so for technical reasons.

The data protection policy can be downloaded here: Data Protection Policy

The data protection policy can be downloaded here: Data Retention Policy

Students eligible for the maintenance grant should apply at studentsgrants@gov.mt. In order to proceed with the application, students need to have:

• an active e-ID
• a valid IBAN
• mandatory documentation properly scanned.

For more information students should contact the Stipends Office on 153 or maintenancegrants.mfed@gov.mt.

Students who decide to discontinue their course of studies at GCHSS are to inform the Administration Office and submit the relevant Resignation Form.

Students receiving a stipend must also inform the Maintenance Grant Office. 

Download Resignation Form